On their own

Streaks of red appeared on Lu Guani's visage. The black crystals began to multiply at an alarming rate, quickly devouring what little space remained until it became painfully claustrophobic in the tiny space that remained for Liu Sumeng and his companions to stand around safely. He cut down the crystals whenever they came too close but it was difficult to keep up as they grew at alarming speeds.

Lu Guani stepped back, as the black lotus regrew and engulfed her. She was out of sight but her presence lingered, the room saturating with ominous power.

…

Meanwhile, the stout demon that had never entered the depths of the tower managed to climbed up to its tallest peak. After Hui Moxiang safely uncovered the passage into the depths, she parted ways to find a place to unleash the flares.

Glittering fireworks shot up into the sky, thundering as they exploded into bright colors.