Just as Yao Lao shielded Xiao Yan and took advantage of the Heavenly Flames splashing around them to temper his body, Protector Wu broke free behind him.
But the black miasma behind Protector Wu had grown so thin that it was almost impossible to notice without looking closely. Even the eerie black chains he controlled had been reduced to a single remaining chain, its surface riddled with cracks, ready to shatter at any moment.
Protector Wu's aura had weakened considerably as well. The black robe that had concealed his figure was now little more than a few strips of cloth hanging from his body, scorched brittle by the searing heat of the Heavenly Flames. He stared at Xiao Yan as though looking at a madman.
In his eyes, Xiao Yan would never have done something so insane unless he really was a lunatic. The explosion of three Heavenly Flames had frightened even Protector Wu out of his wits. Had it not been for his strength and the peculiar properties of his chains, he would likely have perished too.
Although he had survived, he had suffered grievous injuries and no longer dared to prolong the fight.
Seeing Yao Chen completely exposed before him, Protector Wu did not hesitate. He controlled his sole remaining chain and pierced straight through Yao Lao's soul form, dragging him back. As for Xiao Yan inside the enormous cauldron, Protector Wu could only cast him a hateful glance before turning to leave without hesitation.
He had already sensed Medusa's aura approaching. If he delayed any longer and she arrived, in his current condition, he would probably not only fail to take Yao Chen's soul away but lose his own life here as well.
"Xiao Yan, I'm taking Yao Chen's soul! I'll be waiting for you to fight