After more than a year of nurturing, supplemented by medicinal ingredients Xiao Yan had gathered to help restore the soul,
Yao Lao's soul power had now recovered considerably.
With his full support, Xiao Yan's strength could at least break through the limits of a Dou Emperor and reach the Dou Zong level.
Unfortunately, reaching the Dou Zong level meant a qualitative transformation.
To rise to that level through an infusion of soul power, Xiao Yan would have to bear an enormous amount of it.
His current cultivation and physique were not enough to withstand such vast soul power.
Peak Dou Emperor was already Xiao Yan's limit. Any higher, and a single misstep could leave him grievously injured and near death-or kill him outright.
Although his raw strength could not match the giant python's, his Heavenly Flame, combined with Yao Lao's vast knowledge and combat experience, still gave Xiao Yan a chance to fight it, and perhaps even defeat it.
The Fallen Heart Flame was powerful, but ultimately, it relied on the terrifying destructive power of a Heavenly Flame.
And when it came to understanding Heavenly Flames, if Yao Lao claimed second place among those present, no one would dare claim first.
"Damn it! This beast's energy seems inexhaustible. It's been attacking nonstop, yet there's no sign of it weakening. At this rate, it'll wear me to death sooner or later!"
Watching the dense barrage of meteor-like fireballs hurtling toward him above the sea of flames, Xiao Yan's cheeks flushed red. Sweat streamed down like little rivers, and frustration churned within him.
Just then, Yao Lao's voice sounded in his mind.
"Little Yanzi, don't meet this beast head-on. Calm yourself!
"The giant python you see is only the Fallen Heart Flame's outer form. Its true body is hidden somewhere within that