The battle continued. Although both men had focused their attention on each other, their surroundings were still undergoing tremendous changes. The heat radiating from the countless flame figures was no trifling matter.
Even the heat alone from flames infused with the power of heaven and earth destroyed the center of the Yang Family Castle, gradually setting its interior ablaze. Faced with this inexplicable disaster, the members of the Yang Family fled their ancestral castle one after another and watched from afar.
The disturbance Huo Hai caused was comparatively small, since his spiritual energy was concentrated on his sword. The Nine-Dragon Spirit Shadow was a defensive technique and, at least for now, had no offensive capabilities. There were too many flame figures around him. Despite his relentless attacks, Huo Hai made no headway. Instead, the Flame Ancestor's fireballs and fists struck him from time to time.
As the battle went on, the Flame Ancestor's expression gradually began to change. He had clearly struck Huo Hai so many times, yet Huo Hai showed no sign of injury. Even his clothes remained unchanged.
At last, the Flame Ancestor realized that Huo Hai's defenses were not the sort of spiritual energy shield one normally saw. He narrowed his eyes, resentment filling his gaze. "An Earth-Grade Battle Spirit Art. Another Earth-Grade Battle Spirit Art!"
The Flame Ancestor was consumed with envy. Battle Spirit Arts focused on defense were rare to begin with, and those of Earth Grade were rarer still. As things stood, he could not hurt Huo Hai, while Huo Hai could do nothing to him either. If this continued, the battle would inevitably become a war of attrition. The Flame Ancestor bitterly regretted making an enemy for no reason.
"Y-young friend, neither of us can do anything to the other right now. Why