Douluo Continent: The Real World

Liu Erlong's expression was solemn.

This was the Fallen Heart Flame she had swallowed six years ago. Back then, unaware of what it truly was and fearing it might harm Yu Tianyan, she had swallowed it in one gulp, nearly burning herself to death. If Yu Tianyan hadn't intervened in time and helped her fuse with the heart fire, she'd be long gone, with blue silver grass likely growing atop her grave.

Over the past six years, Yu Tianyan had refined four additional Heart Fires.

Unlike the Doupo world, where the Fallen Heart Flame existed independently, here it had become his martial soul. It could no longer directly produce heart fire to aid others in cultivation but had to be carefully extracted bit by bit from his martial soul.

"What is this? Such an intense heat!" Jing Ling exclaimed.

His Skeleton Martial Soul gave him an extraordinary sense of perception, and he suspected that touching this flame might cost him his life.

Yu Tianyan spoke calmly, "This is the ultimate cheat for cultivation. Absorbing it will not only significantly accelerate your cultivation speed but also temper your body and break through the bottlenecks that limit soul masters. As long as you don't encounter life-threatening situations, achieving the Titled Douluo realm is a certainty."

The three exchanged glances, their eyes burning with excitement and anticipation.

Huang Yuan, the calmest of the group, looked toward Liu Erlong and asked, "Dean, is this flame really as powerful as he claims?"

Liu Erlong nodded slightly. "I absorbed this Heart Fire six years before you, and I benefited immensely from it. Not only does it do everything Xiaoyan said, but if you acquire soul bones, he can help refine them so they fully integrate with your body. The effect is far beyond what you can imagine."

Her words served as a decisive reassurance, like a shot of adrenaline.

"Alright, no matter the cost, I'll accept it," Jing Ling declared, breaking the silence.

While they might doubt Yu Tianyan's words, there was no reason to mistrust Liu Erlong, a Soul Douluo. She had no reason to deceive them. Their talents were good, but they weren't exceptional enough to warrant her lowering her dignity for a lie.

Huang Yuan and Jiang Zhu looked at each other before nodding in unison. "We accept too."

Yu Tianyan raised a hand to stop them. "Hold on. Listen to me first."

He continued, "While the flame's actual impact is minor, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Absorbing this flame means your lives will be in my hands. If I so desire, I can take them at any moment."

The three fell silent, their excitement tempered by his frankness.

Yu Tianyan, unperturbed, manipulated the three Heart Fires in his hand, letting them swirl and dance in intricate patterns. He harbored no hatred toward them and had no intention of deceiving them more than necessary.

Liu Erlong sighed internally. When Yu Tianyan had absorbed the soul ring of the thousand-year-old Dragon-Horned Rhino King, she'd suspected he had such an ability. She also understood that her life had likely been in his hands for quite some time.

After a long pause, Huang Yuan exhaled deeply and said, "I accept. From now on, my life is yours."

Jing Ling, shocked by Huang Yuan's resolution, protested, "Huang Yuan, are you insane?"

Even Jiang Zhu, who had a good impression of Yu Tianyan, hesitated, her gaze flicking between Huang Yuan and Yu Tianyan.

Meeting their doubtful looks, Huang Yuan stood firm. "I don't think he intends to harm us. With his talent and power, why would he need to take our lives? If it weren't for the upcoming All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition, we wouldn't even have the chance to offer him our loyalty. Am I right, Yu Tianyan?"

Huang Yuan's voice was solemn, his tone both sad and determined.

Liu Erlong and Yu Tianyan exchanged glances, understanding the weight of his words.

"You're absolutely correct, Brother Huang Yuan," Yu Tianyan admitted. "It seems you're not only skilled in combat but also perceptive. To be honest, if not for the competition, I wouldn't bother involving myself with you, let alone offer something so valuable."

Though his words were arrogant, their sincerity shattered the last vestiges of Jing Ling and Jiang Zhu's hesitation.

"As expected," Huang Yuan said, stepping forward. "I refuse to live a mediocre life, trapped at the Soul Saint level. Even if I have to entrust my life to you, I want to strive for more. Tell me, what do I need to do?"

Jing Ling sighed, his resistance crumbling. Although his innate soul power was slightly higher than Huang Yuan's, he doubted he could surpass the Soul Douluo level. He stepped forward as well. "Count me in."

Yu Tianyan nodded with satisfaction but turned his attention to Jiang Zhu. "What about you, Miss Jiang Zhu?"

Jiang Zhu hesitated briefly, her cheeks flushing as she looked at Yu Tianyan with newfound admiration. "Alright, I'll accept too."

Her gaze, filled with unexpected affection, caused Liu Erlong to bristle with annoyance. A single thought crossed her mind: What is that girl thinking, looking at Xiaoyan like that?

Female emotions are often more complex than male ones, and for Jiang Zhu, this decision felt monumental. Handing her life to someone else felt like a commitment of both her soul and body. To her, Yu Tianyan, with his unmatched talent and looks, wasn't just her ticket to becoming a Titled Douluo; he was her ideal partner.

Unaware of her thoughts, Yu Tianyan coughed awkwardly and said, "You haven't disappointed me."

He summoned the three Heart Fires, floating them toward each person. "Since you've chosen to entrust your lives to me, I promise I won't let you down."

The three nodded, accepting his words. They looked to Huang Yuan for guidance, and he, resigned, asked, "How do we absorb these flames without harming ourselves? Is there any danger?"

Liu Erlong also watched curiously, recalling her near-fatal experience. How would these three, at their current level, manage to absorb the Heart Fire?

(End of the chapter)

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