As An Xiaoran ignited her Life Fire, she headed toward the top of the steps.
All the humans, Weirds, and Fierce Beasts on the steps watched.
Many of them silently grumbled, Here we go again.
Yes, Luo Fan had previously ignited his Life Fire, golden flames blazing all over him as he climbed to the very top, step by step.
Now this little girl was doing the same thing.
It looked like another person was going to reach the top.
However, a few of the more knowledgeable Weirds saw An Xiaoran's condition and understood the ability of Life Fire: using lifespan as fuel in exchange for power.
Weirds had no way to ignite Life Fire.
So seeing it did them no good.
They could only watch longingly.
Luo Fan guarded An Xiaoran, staying beside her with every step.
He dared not stray too far, afraid she might fall off the steps at any moment.
At the same time, he encouraged her from beside her.
"Xiao Ran, take it slowly. There's no rush."
"Steady your breathing and keep your rhythm."
"You can do it."
An Xiaoran said nothing, merely nodding earnestly.
Her little face was full of determination, and every step she took was steady.
Golden flames burned around her, lighting up the gray space around them.
On the steps, every climber's gaze moved upward little by little with her footsteps.
One hundred steps.
Two hundred steps.
Three hundred steps.
Finally, under countless watching eyes, An Xiaoran finished climbing the last nine hundred and ninety-nine steps.
Standing at the temple entrance, she turned back to look at Luo Fan.
Her clear eyes were filled with joy.
"Brother Luo Fan!"
She called softly, her voice carrying a trace of exhaustion, but even more happiness.
Luo Fan smiled at her and waved.