"You are correct. Among the myriad flames, divine fire reigns supreme!"
Elder Tianhu spoke, "But you are mistaken on one point. Among all flames, strength is paramount. Divine fire merely exerts pressure on me; it won't be so easy to truly suppress me!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly, "I know that, of course. But rest assured, I don't intend to suppress you. I merely wish to avoid conflict. My presence puts you at a disadvantage, and you might not be able to defeat me. It would be better for us to resolve our differences and avoid any struggle!"
"Indeed, indeed. Senior's strength is formidable. Why bother contending with us juniors!" Zhao Xiaotian chimed in repeatedly.
Though he was also a prodigy of the younger generation, he understood the gravity of the situation. If they were to truly fight the old man before them, they would gain no advantage. It was better to yield, thus avoiding undue worry.
"Very well, very well. I have no intention of troubling you. Since you have spoken thus, I shall grant your wish!" Elder Tianhu nodded slightly. He was formed from celestial fire, a natural spirit of heaven and earth. He had come here to absorb the power of flames in this active region. If not for Lu Fan and the others disturbing him, he would not have come.
"Senior, you possess great powers. Outside, there is a Blood Demon Eagle, extremely ferocious. Why don't we join forces to kill it, and then we can share its demonic energy!" Zhao Xiaotian had an idea.
"Blood Demon Eagle?"
Elder Tianhu appeared surprised and glanced outside. "If I'm not mistaken, this eagle is owned by someone. It has been relentlessly pursuing you. Did you offend its master!"
"Ahem..."
Zhao Xiaotian gave an awkward laugh. "Senior has sharp eyes. However, what's done is done. If Senior does not offer assistance, we will likely be unable to turn the tide! Moreover, if its master comes looking for us, we will all perish here!"
"Fine, fine. I had intended to cultivate here in peace, but I encountered you all!"
Elder Tianhu waved his hand, feeling a touch of helplessness. If he did not help Lu Fan and the others eliminate the eagle, Lu Fan and the others would not leave, which would be quite troublesome.
Seeing Elder Tianhu's slight movement, Zhao Xiaotian was delighted. This was exactly what he had hoped for, fulfilling his desires.
Not long after, Elder Tianhu and Lu Fan and the others emerged from the fire domain, their auras exceptionally sharp.
Concurrently, the Blood Demon Eagle sensed that something was amiss, its brows furrowing instantly. It could clearly feel that this aura was extremely unusual, causing a tremor within it.
"You beast, weren't you quite arrogant just now! Why aren't you moving!"
The corner of Zhao Xiaotian's mouth curled upwards as he spoke, a cold glint in his eyes. They had been in a sorry state when being chased by the eagle. Now, he was acting arrogantly, not taking the Blood Demon Eagle seriously at all.
After all, in his opinion, what the Blood Demon Eagle had done was too far-fetched and difficult to accept.
"Beast, do you not kneel and beg for mercy!" Elder Tianhu's voice rang out, carrying an immense presence, his eyes revealing a faint cold light.
Under this imposing aura, the eagle's momentum was gradually suppressed. It even feared these demonic eagles, as they most dreaded the power of flames. Coincidentally, Elder Tianhu, being formed from celestial fire, possessed a great suppressive effect on it.
Witnessing the scene before him, Lu Fan's lips also curved slightly. He could clearly sense the Blood Demon Eagle's fear. At this rate, it would not be long before the Blood Demon Eagle submitted.
He hadn't realized that Elder Tianhu's aura possessed such formidable power.
In that instant, unable to withstand the pressure, the Blood Demon Eagle turned and fled directly, appearing exceptionally panicked. Under Elder Tianhu's suppression, it dared not act rashly.
Seeing this, Zhao Xiaotian's face lit up with joy. "I truly never imagined things would turn out this way. It seems everything unfolded as we predicted!"
"Elder Tianhu's strength is immense; otherwise, he couldn't have deterred it!" Lu Fan spoke, his gaze growing more solemn.
"This beast has been driven away. You should leave now!" Elder Tianhu looked at Lu Fan and the others, his expression growing distant.
He did not want to be disturbed. The reason he had intervened to suppress the eagle was to make Lu Fan and the others leave quickly, lest they disturb his cultivation.
"Coming to this Ancient Desolate World, we are all destined. Why must Senior be in such a hurry!" Lu Fan chuckled lightly. "Moreover, I am empowered by divine fire. Perhaps I can assist Senior in improving his realm!"
At these words, Elder Tianhu was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Lu Fan to speak like this, which indeed aligned with his wishes.
"Since young brother has said so, I shall not be polite. I wonder how you intend to help me improve my realm?" Elder Tianhu inquired, his tone full of meaning.
"This..."
Lu Fan gave an awkward smile. "I control divine fire and am empowered by it. If it merges with your celestial fire origin, perhaps it can help you improve your realm. At that time, the flame power surrounding Senior will undoubtedly become even more terrifying!"
"I am merely a wisp of celestial fire, not as powerful as you imagine!" Elder Tianhu shook his head. "Indeed, the divine fire you possess is far more powerful than mine. It is a pity it lacks sentience, which is why you can control it. Otherwise, with your abilities, how could you control divine fire!"
"Senior speaks the truth!" Lu Fan quickly nodded, not arguing. He was well aware of this fact.
"Let's not talk outside. Let's go inside!"
Zhao Xiaotian smiled, his expression quite meaningful. He naturally did not wish to leave this fire domain.
After all, if the eagle was so powerful, its master behind it was likely not weak. If they were to truly seek trouble, perhaps Elder Tianhu could be persuaded to act, giving them an additional ally.
Elder Tianhu did not object. He was quite interested in Lu Fan's divine fire. Since Lu Fan had already spoken, he would naturally not refuse.
They ventured into the depths of the fire domain. Lu Fan and Elder Tianhu began their discussion, appearing quite at ease and even enjoying each other's company. The scene was rather harmonious.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan could clearly sense Elder Tianhu's covetousness for the divine fire on his person, even showing signs of stirring. However, Lu Fan paid it no mind.
No matter how powerful Elder Tianhu was, he was merely celestial fire. To covet divine fire would be to court self-destruction.