Douluo Continent: The Real World

There was no time to think. With the speed of the Extreme Fire Phoenix, he only had time to lie down on the spot. Although he had lived two lives as a human, he had no real combat experience. In his previous life, he had never fought—except for that one time he chased someone for three blocks with a knife in a fit of anger. At Lan Ba Academy, he occasionally received a few slaps on the forehead and kicks to the rear from Liu Erlong, but that was the extent of his experience. When faced with attacks, he could only rely on the simplest means to dodge.

Sure enough, the moment he lay down, the two Fire Phoenixes flew overhead, their claws almost brushing his back, the gap between them no more than half a meter.

The flames and lightning on the wings of the Extreme Electric Fire Phoenix surged like shock waves, raising a cloud of dust from the ground. The two phoenixes circled in the air, momentarily losing sight of Yu Tianyan in the haze.

Like most bird soul beasts, they weren't adept at spotting things close to them. If they had been land soul beasts, they could have located Yu Tianyan with their sense of smell.

There was no time to catch his breath or feel fear. The Fallen Heart Flame ignited, and milky white flames rose around him, instantly heating the surrounding air.

After a moment's thought, Yu Tianyan abandoned the idea of hiding in the dust and charged out, strange flames enveloping him.

He knew well that since the two Electric Fire Phoenixes couldn't find their target, they would soon turn their attention to Liu Erlong, who was absorbing the soul ring. Though lacking combat experience, he had the strange fire. If he could just buy Liu Erlong enough time, they might turn the tide.

This was the most critical moment for Liu Erlong. Any disruption now would nullify her efforts and might even cause a backlash, plunging her cultivation.

Liu Erlong was wrestling with the three-headed fire dragon's skull. The soul power within the soul ring merged naturally into her body, but the mental power attached to the 80,000-year-old skull posed a significant challenge.

Unlike physical energy, mental power was a delicate, gradual process, absorbed bit by bit. The mental power from the skull continued to surge in, demanding her full focus to channel it. She was entirely unaware of Yu Tianyan's struggle.

Yu Tianyan rushed out, striking with his fist.

The milky white flames shot into the sky, scorching the very air.

Such an attack was no match for the Extreme Electric Fire Phoenix. The two phoenixes crossed paths, effortlessly evading his fire strike, their maneuvers in the air almost mocking.

Not only were the Extreme Electric Fire Phoenixes fast, but their reaction time and agility were also unmatched. This was what made them so sought after by flying soul masters.

The two fire phoenixes launched another attack, coming from opposite sides. Within seconds, they were upon Yu Tianyan. Every pair of Electric Fire Phoenixes excelled in teamwork, their coordination almost rivaling that of humans.

With his current strength, evading such an attack was impossible.

But he was no coward. A fierce glint appeared in his eyes. Since they were attacking from both sides, he decided he might as well risk everything. Worst case, he would sacrifice his arms.

He stretched out his hands, flames as thick as buckets erupted from them.

This attack drained a significant amount of his soul power. The near-transparent flames warned the male phoenix of danger. It let out a sharp cry, banking hard to avoid the flames, unwilling to risk its life.

The female wasn't as lucky. With weaker eyesight, she reacted too late, and the flames scorched her abdomen.

At the same time, Yu Tianyan was knocked back by her wing, spitting blood uncontrollably as he fell.

The power of the Falling Heart Flame was immense, and just grazing the female fire phoenix's body caused her to spin in mid-air, screaming in pain. She crashed to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. Seeing this, the male phoenix abandoned its attack on Yu Tianyan, instead flying over to check on her.

After coughing up another mouthful of blood, Yu Tianyan managed to stand, feeling his blood boiling. His internal injuries were severe. Without the strange fire tempering his body, that single blow would likely have killed him. Luckily, the female phoenix had lost her balance while avoiding the fire, so only her wings struck him. Had her claws made contact, he would have faced certain death.

This was his first time using a large amount of strange fire to attack directly. Unlike refining a soul beast's internal organs, this form of attack consumed almost twice the soul power.

A patch of flesh and blood on the female phoenix's abdomen had been entirely vaporized, the intense heat turning her flesh to gas.

Purple blood oozed from the wound, and the milky white flames continued burning there. Her head sagged to the ground, her wings paralyzed by pain, and she could only cry in agony. Without immediate treatment, she was doomed. But even if the male phoenix killed Yu Tianyan, it couldn't possibly know how to save her.

The male phoenix gently nudged her head, trying in vain to ease her pain. Though they had cultivated for over a thousand years, mastering the skies, they hadn't expected to be burned like this by a mere human on the ground.

Ignoring his injuries, Yu Tianyan summoned his remaining strength. Lightning coursed around his body, his only yellow soul ring glowed, and he charged at the fallen phoenix with one goal in mind: to finish it off.

"First Soul Skill, Thunder!"

All attributes increased by 20%, lasting 30 minutes. His strength and speed surged, lightning crackling as he threw a powerful punch at the female phoenix, ignoring the male beside her.

The male phoenix quickly positioned itself to shield his mate, unfazed by the danger. While some soul beasts might seem invincible, the Extreme Electric Fire Phoenixes had fragile defenses. Their beautiful feathers offered little protection, and even a basic iron sword could wound them. Years of cultivation had focused on speed, not defense. Thus, Yu Tianyan's flames were deadly.

The lightning crackled as they collided.

The male phoenix trembled, its once-beautiful feathers now ruffled and burnt. Yet, it didn't back down, flaring its wings as it lunged toward Yu Tianyan, aiming its beak at his head.

Yu Tianyan quickly retreated. If struck, the blow would be as lethal as a spear through the heart.

But the male phoenix wasn't done. Lightning and fire flashed as it pursued him, aiming to capture him like prey and drop him from the highest height. This was the best revenge its limited wisdom could devise.

Yu Tianyan, lacking combat experience, chose once again to throw himself flat on the ground, narrowly evading the attack.

The male phoenix seized the opportunity, soaring into the sky.

(End of Chapter)