Surging flames spread from Xiao Fan's body. Beneath the searing heat of his heavenly flame, the cold permeating the surrounding space melted away in an instant.
The lake, originally frozen over by the cold, began rippling again beneath the heat of Xiao Fan's heavenly flame.
Without the cold restraining Xiao Fan's terrifying speed, Earth Demon Old Ghost's Thousand Illusions Profound Ice Thorn could not even touch him. The thorns all struck the surrounding ground, and violent explosions thundered through the area.
"Brat, I thought you had some impressive tricks. It turns out you merely have a slight advantage in speed."
Watching Xiao Fan easily evade his attacks, a sinister glint flashed through Earth Demon Old Ghost's sunken eyes. He swept both hands outward, and dozens of Mysterious Ice Thorns behind him shot toward Xiao Fan together, covering every inch of space around him.
"Hmph, let's see how you dodge this!"
A savage smile rose on Earth Demon Old Ghost's gaunt face as he watched Xiao Fan ahead and directed the ice thorns toward him.
Sensing Earth Demon Old Ghost's attack, Xiao Fan narrowed his eyes. Ice thorns surrounded him from every direction, each carrying terrifying energy. An ordinary Dou Emperor struck by even one would suffer severe injuries at the very least.
"Hahaha, since you want to see, I'll show you!"
Xiao Fan laughed at Earth Demon Old Ghost's words, then halted in midair. Remaining where he was, he watched the approaching Mysterious Ice Thorns and brought his hands together. Scorching energy surged from his palms, releasing an immense, violent energy fluctuation. It quickly enveloped his entire body, forming a lotus-shaped shield around him.
A smile curled Xiao Fan's lips. He pushed his hands out to either side, and the enormous phantom lotus instantly expanded outward.
The moment the ice