"Damn it, I was only one step away from seeing the Green Lotus Core Flame..."
Having fled the Medusa Temple, Xiao Yan pounded the scorching yellow sand in frustration, ignoring the grains that stuck to his face.
Xiao Yan had spent so much time pursuing a heavenly flame. At the crucial moment, he had risked his life to sneak in, hoping to reap the fisherman's profit while others fought. Who could have imagined he would be discovered at the very last step? Seeing all his efforts come to nothing was hard to stomach.
He had given so much and deserved something in return, yet reality had dealt him a vicious blow.
"Little Yanzi, this was heaven's will. Regretting it won't change anything. You may encounter more setbacks like this in the future, but what matters is picking yourself up quickly, rallying your forces, and becoming the one who laughs last."
Seeing Xiao Yan's indignant expression, Yao Chen, whose soul form floated in midair, offered a few words of comfort and encouragement.
Xiao Yan still took Yao Chen's words to heart. After venting his frustration, he regained his composure.
"You're right, Teacher. I was truly foolish to fall apart at the first setback. I've disgraced you. I'm sorry."
"It's all right. You're still young. Nobody is born strong. You can slowly temper yourself in the years ahead."
Yao Chen smiled in relief and said, "Since we can't obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame, we'll seek another heavenly flame. I will make sure you have one of your own."
"Yes."
Xiao Yan nodded firmly, then slung the Heavy Black Ruler onto his back and prepared to set out again.
Just then, fierce winds suddenly swept across the desert, and a tornado rapidly formed nearby. What made both Yao Chen and Xiao Yan