Seeing the vines continuously extending toward them, Xiao Yan immediately went on guard. Green Flame ignited in his hand, transforming into a wall of fire over a zhang wide that blocked the space before him and Liuli.
The vines abruptly stopped less than ten zhang away, seemingly deeply wary of the Heavenly Flames in Xiao Yan's hand.
"This tree is conscious. It probably exposed us on purpose." Watching the four Dou Venerates in the distance cease fighting, Xiao Yan clicked his tongue.
"Senior Yao can be trusted for now. He is already a Four-star Dou Venerate, so suppressing two Two-Star Dou Venerates will not be a problem. I'll deal with that three-star Dou Venerate. You, however, are in some danger. There are no fewer than thirty High-tier Dou Zongs between the Soul Hall and the Allied Army's traitors. You may be able to handle one, but two or more will be difficult." Dou Qi formed into a Silver Light Sword in Liuli's hand. After sweeping her gaze across the battlefield, she spoke slowly.
"Don't worry. I'll protect myself. Just focus on your enemies."
Just then, a wisp of white light suddenly floated out from the trunk of that Sky-reaching Tree and swiftly flew along the path formed by the vines, arriving before the Heavenly Flames barrier.
The light flickered slightly, and an excited voice transmitted into Xiao Yan's mind. "Master, you've finally returned!"
Xiao Yan was clearly startled by those words. His expression shifted several times, and only after standing there dumbfounded for a while did he tentatively ask, "Y-you called me Master?"
"Of course! The aura emanating from within you is something Little Tree could recognize in an instant. There's no mistake!" The light flickered continuously and swayed about as though it were especially happy.
"What's wrong?" Seeing Xiao