But treasures often have guardians.
" Xiao Xin!"
Just as the two were about to approach, the Yao Lao suddenly spoke, bringing them back to their senses. At the same time, the crimson lava pool suddenly boiled violently!
"Roar--!"
A deep roar came from the depths of the magma, and the entire cavern trembled slightly!
Then, under their watchful eyes, a large bulge appeared in the center of the lava pool, lava rolled to both sides, and then a huge figure slowly rose from the lava!
That was... a dragon?
Xiao Yan and Xiao Huohuo exchanged a glance, their faces showing shock.
No, it's not a complete dragon.
It is over fifteen meters long and its entire body is covered with dark red scales, with golden magma flowing between the scales.
Its head resembled a python, but two small bumps had already appeared on its forehead, which were the beginnings of dragon horns.
It has a pair of short, fleshy wings on its back, which, although unable to fly, reveal its extraordinary lineage.
What's most astonishing is the aura it exudes— Peak of the Fourth Rank!
A being who has one foot in the Fifth Rank!
"This is... Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python!"
The illusory figure of the Yao Lao appeared in the underground space, hovering beside the two, and quickly spoke:
"A mutated evolution of the Fire Lizard, possessing a diluted dragon bloodline!"
However, given the Fire Lizard's bloodline, it would have been impossible for it to revert to its ancestral state to this extent. It seems that this Fire Spirit Tree made it possible.
It guards the Fire Spirit Tree and feeds on the fire-attribute energy emitted by the tree, which is why it has evolved to its current state. Moreover, it only needs to wait for the fruit to ripen and then eat it to evolve further, and it is expected to completely transform its bloodline and has a chance to become a dragon!
You two better Xiao Xin! It can control magma, and it's quite intelligent!
The Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python's dark golden pupils locked onto Xiao Yan and his companion, its eyes flashing with anthropomorphic vigilance and anger.
Clearly, it mistook the two for intruders trying to steal the treasure.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Huohuo had solemn expressions.
Peak of the Fourth Rank Magical Beast is equivalent to a Peak Dou Ling, or even has reached the threshold of Dou Wang.
Furthermore, Magical Beast of the same realm are generally stronger than human cultivators, and their strength is greatly enhanced in this magma environment.
In other words, the actual strength that this Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python can unleash is comparable to that of Dou Wang!
This battle was more difficult than any of the previous ones.
But with the Fire Spirit Fruit right in front of them, it was absolutely impossible for Xiao Yan and his companion to give it up.
"Teacher, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you..."
Just as Xiao Huohuo was about to speak, Xiao Yan, who was beside him, had already fully entered battle mode.
Yellow, purple, and black!
Five Soul Ring lit up one after another from beneath Xiao Yan's feet.
Facing Peak Dou Ling level Magical Beast, approaching the Dou Wang level, and feeling the terrifying pressure emanating from it, Xiao Yan's eyes were filled with fighting spirit.
Xiao Huohuo stared blankly at Xiao Yan, while Yao Lao's eyes flashed with a hint of admiration.
"Facing a formidable foe without fear—what a courageous and indomitable spirit!"
" Huohuo, step back, it's my turn to perform!"
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, and the Bone Spirit Cold Flame and the Green Lotus Core Flame appeared simultaneously on his side. This was a technique he had mastered in alchemy during this period, separating the Heavenly Flames from his Martial Soul.
It coalesced into a two-colored Fire Lotus in front of him.
Seeing Xiao Huohuo Xiao Yan's state, Xiao Huohuo was also surprised, but with his current strength, he couldn't help Xiao Yan at all.
Forcing your way forward will only have the opposite effect.
The five Soul Ring floating beside Xiao Yan were reflected in the dark golden pupils of the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python. The strange energy fluctuations made it feel unfamiliar and wary.
Having lingered deep within this magma for many years, it had never seen such a bizarre energy system—neither pure Dou Qi nor simple elemental power, but something deeper and more fundamental.
But it is, after all, Peak of the Fourth Rank Magical Beast, and its intelligence is not low.
After a brief moment of surprise and doubt, the wariness in its eyes turned into pure killing intent.
Having guarded the Fire Spirit Tree for decades, and with its fruit nearing maturity, it would not allow anyone to lay a finger on it!
"Roar--!"
The Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python opened its massive maw, and a blinding golden light shone from deep within its throat!
A surge of energy began to condense in its mouth.
That's no ordinary energy; it's dragon flame, a fusion of dragon bloodline and the earth's Heart Flame Dragon Flame!
Before the golden light even burst forth, the temperature inside the cave suddenly rose by tens of degrees, and the air itself seemed to distort and warp!
" Xiao Xin! This Magical Beast has evolved, and with the ancient Magical Beast bloodline within it, it might unleash Dragon Flame!"
The Yao Lao spoke quickly, explaining to the two of them:
"This Dragon Flame flame is extremely hot and has the effect of breaking through protective energy; it must not be taken head-on!"
Xiao Yan's expression was serious, but he did not back down.
He took a deep breath, and all five of his Soul Ring shone brightly at the same time!
"Fourth Soul Skill, Cold Fire: Everfrost Mausoleum! Maximum range!"
A pale white domain suddenly unfolded, and this time Xiao Yan held nothing back!
The area covered by the instrument spanned nearly 100 meters, completely encompassing the area where the speech was being given!
The extreme cold of the Bone Spirit Cold Flame clashed violently with the high temperature of the cave, causing countless ice crystals and snowflakes to condense in the air, only to be evaporated by the high temperature in the next second, creating a bizarre scene of ice and fire intertwined!
The moment the domain expanded, the Dragon Flame spewed out by the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python also arrived!
It was a blazing golden pillar of fire with a diameter of over three meters, and the space itself was slightly distorted wherever it passed!
"Waaaaah~"
The Eternal Frost Mourning Demon roared shrilly, unleashing icy energy at the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python.
The pillar of fire collided head-on with it, unleashing a deafening roar!
"Hiss hiss hiss--!"
Extreme heat and extreme cold in a fierce battle!
The pale flames at the edge of the domain quickly subsided under the scorching heat of the Dragon Flame, but the chill of the Bone Spirit Cold Flame also flowed upwards along the pillar of fire, eroding the mouth of the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python!
Both are fire-attribute powers with the same mechanism, but one is violent and the other is icy.
Unfortunately, Xiao Yan's Bone Spirit Cold Flame was no match for the Flame Dragon Fire Pillar and quickly dissipated. However, the extreme icy properties of the Bone Spirit Cold Flame also made the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python suffer.
Attacked by the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python felt pain and forcibly interrupted its Dragon Flame Breath.
A flicker of surprise flashed in its dark golden pupils—could this eerie chill actually neutralize its Dragon Flame?
How is that possible?!
Xiao Yan's expression was also very solemn. In the previous round of combat, he had consumed nearly 20% of his Soul Power!
The strength of the Peak of the Fourth Rank Magical Beast far exceeded expectations. If it weren't for the Bone Spirit Cold Flame's natural restraining effect on it, that attack just now would have broken through its domain!
But he had no chance to catch his breath.
The Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python, having failed in its first attack, immediately changed tactics!
Its massive body twisted in the lava pool, and its thick tail swept across with tremendous force!
Wherever its tail passed, it stirred up large swaths of lava, creating a terrifying firestorm!
"Third Soul Skill, Cold Fire - Netherworld Lock!"
Xiao Yan formed hand seals, and several pale chains shot out from the void, wrapping around the sweeping giant tail!
Now, he could only rely on the soul-freezing effect of the chains to slow down the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python's movements, but the effect of the chains left Xiao Yan somewhat helpless, lasting only a moment!
The strength of Peak of the Fourth Rank Magical Beast far exceeded expectations, and the effect of the Netherworld Lock was greatly weakened!
"Click!"
The chains snapped after only two breaths, and the massive serpent's tail unleashed a torrent of speech.
"Teacher..."
On the other side, Xiao Huohuo looked concerned. The Yao Lao, protecting him with his soul, spoke:
"No rush, he doesn't seem to have reached his limit yet."
Yao Lao stared at Xiao Yan with surprise. He could tell that Xiao Yan had not yet unleashed his full power, and that the opponent probably still had some trump cards up his sleeve.
He also wanted to see just how far this otherworldly Soul Skill could go.
"Don't worry, I'll help him if he's really in danger."
The Yao Lao sensed Xiao Huohuo's anxiety and comforted him.
As the roaring sea of magma and fire approached, Xiao Yan's Soul Ring flickered.
" Cold Fire Soul Armor!"
"Laugh!"
The Bone Spirit Cold Flame instantly solidified into an ice wall in front of him.
"Boom!"
However, under the attack of the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python's tail, the ice wall that Xiao Yan had hastily condensed in front of him with the Bone Spirit Cold Flame shattered instantly!
Faced with the attack of the Blazing Fire Flood Dragon Python, Xiao Yan could only block the attack with his hands in front of his chest. He was sent flying backward like a cannonball, creating a deep crater!
The Soul Armor on his body also became much more ethereal.
" Xiao Yan!" Xiao Huohuo exclaimed, about to rush forward.
"Don't come any closer!"
Xiao Yan broke free from the rock wall, his eyes gleaming with intense bloodlust.
"I can handle it!"