The vast, deep-sea blue energy serpent began to dissipate instantly upon first encountering the surging, crisp white flames—much like melting snow exposed to intense heat. In mere moments, the fierce, roaring giant snake vanished abruptly from the sky, leaving only a somewhat plaintive, lingering hiss that echoed slowly through the heavens until it faded entirely. This sudden transformation left everyone present utterly stunned. It took several moments before their eyes, once wide with disbelief, swiftly turned toward the flame-form figure now suspended in the sky. Beneath the azure sky, the figure floated motionless, the dense, white flames constantly swirling and enveloping it completely. Due to the intense concentration of the flames, onlookers outside could barely discern the figure’s shape or features. Moreover, the scorching heat caused a subtle distortion and ethereal shimmer around the figure, making the surrounding air appear as though it had been folded or creased—remarkably unusual. Though distant, five of the five Snakefolk Battle Kings could still sense the intense heat radiating from that strangely pale, fiery aura. They exchanged glances, each swallowing a breath, their expressions tinged with unease. "Who are you? And why have you intervened in our Snakefolk affairs?" The sudden appearance of the flame figure, coupled with his earlier display of terrifying prowess, had deepened the gray-robed elder's demeanor. Yet, at this moment, he dared not casually offend an unknown, mysterious powerhouse. He glanced at his companions and stepped forward, speaking with steady resolve. "There's no reason—only a liking." The voice, calm and measured, emerged from within the white flame, its detached tone further darkening the faces of the gray-robed elders. Standing a short distance behind the flame figure, Yun Zhi stared at the figure before her, her dark brows furrowed in mild astonishment. Despite her thoughtful contemplation, she still couldn't believe it—how had the Gamma Empire produced a Duke-level warrior capable of wielding white flame so early? As her gaze swept over the swirling, crisp white flames, her eyes gradually softened and slightly blurred. A moment passed, then a flash of shock swept through her—within her perception, she clearly sensed that the intensely warm, crisp white flames seemed no different from blocks of ancient ice. How could ice, so inherently cold, emit such a scorching flame? What on earth was this? How utterly strange! Can this be considered lucky? "Thank you so much, sir," said Yun Zhi, her delicate features glowing with warm gratitude as she smiled gently at the flame-being before her. "Though, honestly, these minor performers haven't posed much of a real threat to me yet..." Shaking her head to release some of the emotions building inside, she added. "Perhaps it can be." The flame-being replied softly, his voice calm. "I'm not one to interfere in matters that aren't directly my concern. If it weren't for someone specifically inviting me, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths." "Someone invited you?" Yun Zhi was momentarily surprised, her dark brows furrowed as she asked, "Sir, could you tell me who specifically asked you to come assist me? Was it Guo He?" "Heh," the flame-being chuckled, his voice carrying a subtle note of disdain. "Guo He may be well-regarded in the Gamma Empire, but he still hasn't the stature to persuade me to come." Hearing the flame figure firmly dismiss the idea, Yunzhi was momentarily stunned, then a flicker of curiosity passed over her delicate features. Among the people she knew, few had the ability to invite a Dou Huang-level powerhouse to assist—especially since her current mission to the desert was secret, known only to a small circle. Thus, Guo He’s chances were the most promising. Yet, from the tone of the elder’s words, it seemed that he wasn’t particularly impressed by the so-called Dan Wang. "Forget about it," the flame figure said, waving a hand calmly. "Just send those long-tailed snakes away, and I’ll be able to get on with my own affairs sooner. "Rising, he gazed steadily at the five Dou Wang-level warriors hovering in the upper air, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I’ve long heard that the Snake People’s combat techniques are truly outstanding. Today, I’m eager to put that to the test." The twilight phoenix fixed its gaze upon the flame figures in the sky. A tremor passed through the gray-robed elder's eyes—by his experience, he found himself utterly unable to discern the true strength of the figure before him. Though initially astonished, his mood gradually grew somber. A single Duke of Battle, they could still hold their ground with the fusion of techniques for a while. But should there be two Dukes, then these five of them would surely be crushed like chickens, one by one, easily overwhelmed. The gray-robed elder, fully aware of the formidable nature of two Duke-level warriors, clearly sensed the growing gap between the two sides. Hearing the elder in gray robes' command, the four Domain Kings nearby hesitated slightly, then cast a resolute, reluctant glance at the flame figure in the sky, simultaneously forming seals with both hands. With a low cry, their bodies erupted in unison. As the explosion echoed across the heavens, a surge of energy serpents erupted from the sky and surged forth in all directions across the desert. Observing the elder in gray robes and others attempting to flee, Yun Zhi furrowed her brows, just as she prepared to step in to intercept—yet the flame figure merely gave a slight wave of his hand. Seeing this gesture, Yun Zhi halted her movement. With a calm gaze upon the fleeing streams of energy serpents, the flame figure remained silent for a moment, then gently waved his palms, and instantly five sharp spines formed before him, each composed of dense, pale flame. Five flame spines rotated slowly, the flame figure coldly observing the countless energy serpents that nearly veiled the sky. A fierce soul force surged forth, piercing through the bodies and swiftly scanning the multitude of serpents to reveal the true form hidden among them. With a low, quiet chuckle, he lightly snapped his fingers, and five slender, pale flame spines shot forth in five distinct directions. Though seemingly delicate, these pale flame spines left faint white trails as they danced through the air, their intense heat instantly vaporizing the surrounding atmosphere into nothingness. Witnessing how these seemingly unimpressive spiral flame spines could create such a dramatic effect, Yunzhi's delicate features flickered with astonishment, deepening her curiosity about the mysterious figure before her. The flame spiral spear slashed across the sky with lightning speed, directly plunging into the vast serpentine tide of energy. Though most of the energy serpents were identical, the spiral spear seemed to have a remarkably clear target, burning several that obstructed its path into nothingness, then fiercely stabbing at five slender serpents located at the outer perimeter. Sensing the impending devastating assault, the five smaller serpents swiftly turned their heads, gazing at the blazing spear. Human-like shock flickered across their triangular pupils. "I don't believe in letting the tiger go unchained—my style is to eliminate threats once they've become adversaries," the flame figure said calmly, gazing steadily at the five serpents about to be struck. Behind her, Yunzhi observed the flame figure's movements without speaking a word. She was no naive or well-meaning person; when she deemed it necessary, she could be sharper and more ruthless than even the most seasoned executioners. At her level of status and strength, she knew precisely when to be firm and when to be kind. As soon as the words were finished, her face suddenly changed—because she sensed a remarkably powerful aura surging forth within the pale, white flame. This aura erupted with incredible speed, spreading through the void like lightning, swiftly catching up to the five flame-spikes and gently shaking them. A subtle tremor caused the five spikes, formed by the unique fire, to vanish completely. Seizing this moment of peril, the five small serpents swiftly waved their tails and darted into the dune, vanishing from view in a rather disheveled manner. "Damn beasts!" came an old, furious voice from within the pale flame, as the five serpents disappeared. As the outburst of anger faded, the subtly turbulent and terrifying aura gradually dissipated. Moments later, it was entirely gone, as if it had never existed at all. "Oh, it all fell short at the last moment..." With a sigh, the flame figure firmly拍ed his sleeve, as if scolding something, then turned around, gave a quick glance at the graceful Yunzhi, and then walked toward the desert beyond. As he passed by her, the flame figure paused slightly, hesitated a moment, and then said, "By the way, a young one asked me to convey his apologies to you—he was rather overbearing at first..." Upon hearing this, Yunzhi's body trembled suddenly, her rosy lips slightly parted, her delicate face filled with astonishment. From the occasional clues he had shared, she now realized... this mysterious, supporting power of the Duohuang level had actually been summoned by Xiao Yan's young one. "This young one... is quite capable indeed. I truly underestimated him all along," Yunzhi murmured, turning her gaze toward the swiftly fading silhouette of the flame figure.