C9 A Bloody Battle

"Stay sharp, Mr. Zhang. See that mound by the subterranean river? That's where the Ice Flame Profound Spirit Fruit grows, and the Black Scale Venomous Python lurks in a nearby cave. If anyone gets too close, that creature will lash out and attack!" Lei Ming warned with caution.

Lei Ming's eyes were fixed on a solitary emerald plant sprouting in isolation. Four fiery red fruits dangled from its branches, tantalizingly ripe and inviting.

"The Black Scale Venomous Python's venom is deadly, so we'll need to be vigilant in our defense. Its body is armored with thick scales, making it incredibly tough. When we strike, we must target its eyes and mouth to inflict serious damage. Butterfly, once we've drawn its attention, you seize the chance to harvest the spirit fruit," Lei Ming instructed after careful deliberation.

"Got it," everyone responded in chorus.

"Get ready to attack!" Lei Ming commanded, and they advanced on the Black Scale Venomous Python.

Even before they reached it, the python's sinister green triangular eyes could be seen glowing ominously from the cave's mouth.

Suddenly, with a swift whoosh, a three-meter-long python as thick as a sea bowl burst forth. Its green scales shimmered with an eerie light, sending a chill down the spine. Despite its size, the python moved with lightning speed.

"You vile creature, meet your end!" Lei Ming bellowed, brandishing his hooks and lunging at the Black Scale Venomous Python.

Hissing menacingly and flicking its blood-red tongue, the python responded by snapping its stinking, gaping maw towards Lei Ming.

As Lei Ming engaged the beast, Zhang Yu and the others drew their swords to join the fray.

They launched a frenzied assault, their blades repeatedly piercing the python's hide. However, the creature's scaly armor proved too resilient, stopping their swords at just the tips, unable to deliver a killing blow.

The fresh blood oozing from its wounds only enraged the Black Scale Venomous Python further, causing it to thrash wildly in fury.

With a thunderous "Bam!" the Black Scale Venomous Python's hefty tail whipped up like lightning, striking Xiaoqi and sending her soaring through the air before she crashed heavily to the ground.

Struggling to her feet, Xiaoqi barely opened her mouth to speak when a mouthful of fresh blood spilled out.

"Xiaoqi, you're hurt. Rest for now; we've got this," Zhang Yu urgently called out upon seeing Xiaoqi's injury.

But as one crisis waned, another loomed.

"Ah!" The piercing scream of the butterfly captured everyone's attention.

"Oh no, there's another Black Scale Venomous Python!" The group was startled to find a second, roughly level two, Demonic Python near the Ice Flame Profound Spirit Fruit, with the butterfly in a perilous state.

It turned out there were two of these creatures, a male and a female!

"Sister-in-law, hang in there; I'm on my way!" Zhang Yu, witnessing the dire situation, summoned all his spiritual power and bolted towards the butterfly.

With a resounding "Bang," it became clear that Zhang Yu, recognizing the urgency, had hurled his short sword with all his might, knocking away the Venomous Python that was closing in on the butterfly.

"Are you okay, sister-in-law?" Zhang Yu, having reached her side, helped the butterfly up and asked with concern.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks to you, Mr. Zhang," the butterfly responded with gratitude.

"Sister-in-law, get out of here; you're no match for it," Zhang Yu advised, facing the Level-2 Demonic Python with grave seriousness.

Realizing her presence would be more of a hindrance than a help to Zhang Yu, the butterfly rose and swiftly retreated.

Gripping the short sword he had just retrieved from the ground, Zhang Yu sidestepped the oncoming Venomous Python. Seizing the moment between the creature's spent force and its gathering of new strength, he surged forward and plunged the blade deep into its eye.

The sound of rending flesh echoed as Zhang Yu brutally split the Level Two Venomous Python open. Its body was a mangled mess, with blood pouring out and dark red blood streaming profusely.

"Screech!"

The Venomous Python emitted a harrowing cry as it slowly collapsed to the ground.

Upon witnessing its mate's demise, the Third Grade Black Scale Venomous Python erupted in fury. Its already grotesque head took on an even more sinister and horrifying appearance. Disregarding the onslaught from Lei Ming and his companion, it charged at Zhang Yu with reckless abandon.

Seizing the moment, Lei Ming's iron hook found its mark in the python's eye socket.

In agony, the Venomous Python continued to drag the iron hook along.

"Drip, drip, drip," blood fell in steady drops to the ground, yet the Black Scale Venomous Python's eyes seethed with an undiluted, thick venom of hatred.

Despite the grievous wound, it refused to succumb, relentlessly snapping at Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu understood that the Third Grade Venomous Python was on its last legs, so he avoided engaging it in combat. Instead, he used his agility to deftly evade its desperate strikes.

Time wore on, and the Black Scale Venomous Python became acutely aware of its impending doom, its small green eyes brimming with despair and defiance.

Then, just as it seemed about to collapse, the Venomous Python surged with a renewed vigor, its strength surpassing its previous efforts. Its massive tail morphed into a spear-like force, shooting towards Zhang Yu as he leapt into the air.

"Damn, a dying flash of strength!" The sudden burst startled Zhang Yu into cursing. Midair and without leverage, he strained to shift his body, but the serpentine tail still impaled his chest.

With a heavy "thud," Zhang Yu crashed to the ground. From over two meters away, the Black Scale Venomous Python's fangs shot out from its maw, penetrating Zhang Yu's flesh.

Having delivered its final blow, the Black Scale Venomous Python at last hit the ground with a heavy thud, lifeless.

"Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang, are you alright?" Lei Ming, too shocked to react, asked with urgency, as Zhang Yu's complexion began to darken ominously.

With a cough, Zhang Yu expelled a mouthful of black blood, his consciousness fading into obscurity.

Zhang Yu's breaths were fading, as if at any moment, he would be irretrievable like a kite with its string cut. Lei Ming and his companions, frantic as ants on a hot pan, were momentarily struck dumb.

"Big brother, we've got to think of something. Save Mr. Zhang," Xiaoqi pleaded with Lei Ming.

"I wish I could, but I have no cure for the Black Scale Venomous Python's poison! It's all my fault for insisting Mr. Zhang come here. If not for me, he wouldn't be in this state," Lei Ming said, filled with remorse as he glanced at Xiaoqi.

"It's all because of you, you cursed Demon Beast. I'll end you!"

Powerless, Xiaoqi seized his sword and furiously stabbed the lifeless Black Scale Venomous Python.

"Big brother, look! There's light on Mr. Zhang's body!" In that instant, the observant Butterfly noticed a change in Zhang Yu.

Suddenly, a soft glow radiated from Zhang Yu, like an enlightened Buddha. Unaware of what was happening, Lei Ming and the others were at a complete loss.

"Look, the blackness is fading from Mr. Zhang's body. The poison's gone, it's gone!" Butterfly exclaimed with excitement.

At that moment, Zhang Yu, who had been on the brink of death from the venom, felt the Creation Jade Disc within him stir to life, drawing the snake poison together.

With a "poof," Zhang Yu expelled a mouthful of black blood that hit the ground and stayed, thick and reeking.

Struggling, Zhang Yu managed to lift his lips and uttered a faint word, "Water."

"Water, he needs water! Quick, get him some," Lei Ming called out to Xiaoqi, who was still in shock.

Seeing Zhang Yu miraculously pull through, Xiaoqi scrambled to fetch some clear water from the underground river and brought it to Zhang Yu's lips.

Zhang Yu drank eagerly, "gulp, gulp," like a parched sponge soaking up water.

...

A quarter of an hour later, Zhang Yu's eyes fluttered open. He looked at the four anxious faces around him, cracked a smile, and whispered, "Sorry for the worry."

"Mr. Zhang, no need to speak—just focus on resting. I was terrified when I saw you'd been poisoned; broke out in a cold sweat. It was my fault for being so careless," Lei Ming admitted, still shaken. "Just concentrate on healing. We'll handle everything else."

Zhang Yu attempted to talk, but Butterfly quickly silenced him with a gentle touch of her hand. With no other choice, Zhang Yu nodded in agreement.

Seated in meditation, Zhang Yu quietly began to channel the Creation Divine Arts. The spiritual energy flowed in waves, and his injuries started to mend.

"Mr. Zhang, open up," came a voice suddenly. Before Zhang Yu could even process what was happening, a round object was popped into his mouth. A loud explosion of energy followed as potent spiritual force surged into his meridians. It was the Ice Flame Profound Spirit Fruit that Butterfly had just picked for him. Dissolving instantly, it released a torrent of spiritual power.

With the chaotic energy coursing through him, Zhang Yu sensed the pivotal moment had arrived after days of effort—it was time for his breakthrough.

He steeled his mind, drawing the spiritual energy towards his dantian. As it whirled faster, the barrier impeding his progress felt like mere paper, easily punctured.

With a "Boom!" his consciousness quivered, and the world's spiritual energy furiously flowed into him, integrating with his being. Zhang Yu had at last ascended to the pinnacle of martial mastery.

Witnessing Zhang Yu's ascent from death's doorstep to a breakthrough, Lei Ming couldn't hide his admiration. "Truly the mark of a prodigious talent!"