Xue Yang finishes with the sap and then moves back over to sit by the talismans again. Clearly they are closer to an answer.

"So I know I have to give it as much power as I can so I should be able to use any of the elements in that way. But now I need some form of protection...what about a modification to the actual hilt?"

A wider hand guard might keep the flames from getting close to his hand. It would change the balance of the sword slightly but if he practices that would be easy enough to get used to.