At this time, no one noticed that a small cluster of her flames had formed a protective shield that kept the outside fire from reaching her. By the time everyone looked back, the flames were already on Ye Ling's body. Through the flames, they could see that Ye Ling's head drooped as she lost consciousness.
The night wind blew, branches crackled, and roaring flames enveloped Ye Ling's body. Some couldn't bear to watch and turned away, while others were still distracted by a sudden roar heard earlier and hadn't recovered their senses.
"Send someone to find out why a divine beast appears on this mountain," one patriarch ordered, instructing two middle-aged men to go investigate.
"Wait," other patriarchs called out, stopping the two men. "Since we have people from all eight families here tonight, it would be best if each family sends one person. What do you think?"
"Mm, I agree," several others nodded and motioned toward their families.
