C14 Vajra Subduing Devil
After extricating himself, Yu Kun finally got a clear view of the python. It was a massive green serpent, and while he couldn't identify the exact type of mutated beast it was, its ferocity was unmistakable.
At that moment, many of its scales were shattered, and its body bore numerous wounds, presenting a pitiful sight. Yet, it was not dead. Its eyes glinted with malevolence as it flicked its tongue and fixed its gaze on Yu Kun. The creature seemed poised to strike at any second.
"Such a large creature must fetch a handsome price!" Yu Kun thought.
With a determined clench of his jaw, he produced two more Spirit Stones and crushed them without hesitation.
The Spiritual Energy from the stones flooded into Yu Kun, replenishing the reserves he had depleted.
"This is costing me a fortune! If this python isn't worth at least three Spirit Stones, I'm going to take a serious loss," Yu Kun grumbled to himself. Then, he steadied his mind and began to channel his Astral Energy.
If the python tried to bite, he was ready with the Vajra Worshipping Moon technique.
The Vajra Subduing Devil was his second, more powerful move, but Yu Kun lacked the strength to execute it now and had to rely on Vajra Worshipping Moon.
As Yu Kun launched his attack, the python seemed to sense the impending threat. It lunged forward, emitting a faint green breath from its mouth.
"You're no ordinary mutated beast; you've harnessed the power of Demonic Qi! If you evolve, you'll become a demonic beast!"
Yu Kun was genuinely startled by the sight of the green aura.
Mutated beasts lacked sentience, but those with innate gifts could accidentally master Demonic Qi. This would grant them intelligence and the potential to become demonic beasts.
Yu Kun had even heard tales of powerful demonic beasts that could fully transform into human form, blending seamlessly into society, indistinguishable from ordinary people. Only those with advanced cultivation could penetrate such disguises.
"Lucky for me, you're not yet fully developed—you're not a demonic beast! So, it's time for you to die!"
A fierce snarl spread across Yu Kun's face as he unleashed Vajra Worshipping Moon with all his might.
Their attacks met in a violent clash, and the outcome was decided in an instant.
Yu Kun staggered back, feeling the damage to his meridians and internal organs.
The python lay on the ground, its breaths shallow and labored. Its head was a gruesome sight, with large patches of flesh and blood stripped away—it was on the brink of death.
"You're incredibly strong. If mutated beasts had rankings, you'd probably be at the High Rank Qi Refining Stage, just like me! Plus, demonic beasts have a stronger physique than humans, so you're definitely more formidable! If you hadn't been injured by my Vajra Subduing Devil attack earlier, you wouldn't be dying now!"
Yu Kun let out a sigh of relief, still shaken by the close call.
Yet, the rewards for slaying the python were substantial. Despite the grim manner of its demise, it was sure to fetch a handsome sum.
Without a moment's hesitation, Yu Kun attempted to store the creature in his Leviathan-roc Space, only to find it was already full. "Looks like I can only take part of your body and these evolution points," he mused.
With a gesture, Yu Kun absorbed the white orb from the python's body, and his Growth Value surged by three points instantly. Joy quickly gave way to a sense of resignation. "If every mutated beast encounter is this harrowing, I better pace myself. I'm not keen on dying."
Yu Kun managed to fit half of the python into the Leviathan-roc Space before venturing deeper into the cave.
Earlier, his baby Leviathan had detected numerous treasures brimming with Spiritual Energy within. Now that the path was clear, he was eager to explore.
Torch in hand, Yu Kun delved into the cave. His eyes bulged at the sight of the Spiritual Energy treasures. "Flying Shadow Grass! What luck!"
Frantically, he retrieved a jade token from his space and scanned the area, confirming his find. The herbs before him were indeed the highly sought-after Flying Shadow Grass. After more than ten days of fruitless searching, he had stumbled upon them here!
"This is incredible! I never imagined I'd actually complete the mission!" Yu Kun couldn't contain his excitement as he reached for the Flying Shadow Grass. But the moment his palm brushed against it, the grass vanished into thin air.
Yu Kun was left utterly bewildered.
What in the world was happening? Could Flying Shadow Grass actually move?
He continued to reach for the Flying Shadow Grass, but despite his efforts, as each plant vanished before his eyes, he failed to pick even one.
Now, Yu Kun was thoroughly stunned. He had been confident about completing his task, yet he couldn't even lay a finger on the Flying Shadow Grass!
He was torn with frustration. "Flying Shadow Grass doesn't just disappear without a reason. There has to be an explanation!" Resolved, Yu Kun turned his attention inward and was shocked to discover the baby Leviathan gorging on the Flying Shadow Grass.
The sight nearly drove him to the brink of rage.
"All that effort to find the Flying Shadow Grass, and you've devoured it all! How am I supposed to finish my mission now?"
Feeling utterly helpless, Yu Kun had no choice but to silently observe the baby Leviathan's feast.
Thankfully, the Flying Shadow Grass wasn't completely wasted. The baby Leviathan's appetite had, albeit slightly, increased Yu Kun's Growth Value.
Yet, since the Flying Shadow Grass was merely a plant imbued with Spiritual Energy and not an animal, it yielded no evolution points for Yu Kun.
Before long, Yu Kun noticed that the baby Leviathan had only consumed parts of the Flying Shadow Grass. The roots remained intact, but to him, they were of no use.
Fuming, Yu Kun was tempted to give the baby Leviathan a good thrashing.
Eventually, the baby Leviathan polished off the last of the Flying Shadow Grass.
But what astonished Yu Kun more was that the baby Leviathan regurgitated the roots of the plant.
Suddenly, Yu Kun found himself holding a different herb in his hand.
It wasn't Flying Shadow Grass, yet it bore a striking resemblance.
As he examined the herb, a potential realization dawned on him.