Although his lapse was but a fleeting moment, possibly lasting less than a single breath,
in high-stakes duels, a single breath was often enough to determine victory or defeat.
A flash of crimson firelight burst forth, and in that brief moment of distraction, the fourth protector screamed as if struck by lightning.
This scream seemed to awaken Zhou Chun and the other two as well.
By the time their consciousness fully returned, they saw a short crimson sword thrust deep into the chest of the fourth protector.
The rank of the crimson short sword was unknown, but it was able to penetrate the Dragon Scales of the fourth protector, stabbing straight through the heart, with only the hilt visible outside.
And the fourth protector seemed unable to accept that he had been defeated so swiftly.