The dog disappeared, and his surprise caused a delay in his use of the next chord, the creature getting too close. Jin Ling’s sword lashed out, and Wangji played the chord just in time, the very last second, to throw it back. The music wasn’t hurting it, only slowing it.

The guqin disappeared, Bichen drawn in its place, and the next attack was met with metal on metal, sparks flying as he deflected the blade and then pressed close.

“Jin Ling!” He admonished, hoping the words would mean anything at all.