C13 Black Water Lake

Zhao Xiaoqi pursued the Terror Serpent relentlessly. His path was marked by fallen trees and scattered birds, leaving a trail for Loong San and his companions to follow.

Having narrowly escaped, the Terror Serpent thought it was safe until it sensed a familiar oppressive force rapidly closing in from behind. This was the same pressure Zhao Xiaoqi had used to subdue the serpent while slaying Number Two. Recognizing the imminent threat of Zhao Xiaoqi's pursuit, the serpent was filled with dread.

The serpent had witnessed Zhao Xiaoqi reduce Number Two to a mist of blood with a single strike, and it no longer harbored any illusions of combat. Fearful of Zhao Xiaoqi's formidable power, its only thought now was to flee as quickly as possible.

Despite its efforts to accelerate, fueled by its elemental energy, the serpent found it impossible to shake Zhao Xiaoqi. The serpent's eight attributes, including poison, sword intent, darkness, fire, ice, and notably, wind, lent it incredible speed. Yet, all anyone could see was a fleeting shadow in the distance.

But Zhao Xiaoqi was not to be outdone. His body, refined with the blood of the Golden Wing Roc, moved with astonishing velocity. He covered great distances with each step, keeping a tight lock on the serpent's trail, eager to discover any remaining aces up its sleeve.

The Terror Serpent was taken aback by Zhao Xiaoqi's speed. As it realized Zhao Xiaoqi was on the verge of catching up, its eyes seethed with hatred, yet it dared not slow down.

Time and again, the serpent surged its elemental energy, managing to create brief gaps between them, only for Zhao Xiaoqi to close the distance just as quickly. With its energy reserves depleting rapidly, the serpent's pace began to falter, and it could no longer afford to waste thoughts on resentment.

As the Terror Serpent's speed waned from the excessive consumption of its elemental energy, Zhao Xiaoqi drew ever closer to his quarry.

The Terror Serpent's heart raced with alarm and uncertainty as it felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down from behind. A flicker of desperate resolve passed through its eyes, signaling its readiness to deploy a secret technique passed down through its clan.

The use of this clandestine art required the burning of its vital blood essence—a substance of paramount importance to any cultivator. But in this dire moment, such concerns were secondary.

With a steely resolve, the Terror Serpent ignited its blood essence, shrouding itself in a sudden mist of blood. Its speed surged, creating distance in an instant.

Zhao Xiaoqi was hot on the Terror Serpent's trail. As a crimson blur streaked by, he noticed the creature's increased pace and matched it, relentlessly pursuing his quarry.

The Terror Serpent was petrified with fear. Despite resorting to its clan's secret technique, it still couldn't shake Zhao Xiaoqi. The thought crossed its mind that this relentless pursuer might be the offspring of a Golden Wing Roc, given the immense pressure he exuded.

But speculation was futile. Zhao Xiaoqi was gaining ground once more.

Left with no choice, the Terror Serpent accelerated again, fleeing with all its might.

Yet, no matter how it hastened, its efforts were in vain. Each burst of speed only briefly widened the gap before Zhao Xiaoqi would catch up, matching the pace. Time and again, the Terror Serpent found itself unable to escape.

Man and monster, both swift as the wind, raced through the terrain. In the span of a few breaths, they had traversed several mountain peaks.

Emerging into another dense forest, they glimpsed a black lake shrouded in a thick, eerie mist.

But this time, the Terror Serpent ceased its flight. It darted into the murky waters of the black lake and vanished without a trace.

Zhao Xiaoqi came to a halt, surveying the area with a keen eye. He realized he had chased the Terror Serpent into an entirely unfamiliar forest, and the black lake before him exuded an ominous air.

The atmosphere was thick with malevolence, the fog heavy. Swamps and venomous creatures abounded, with no clear path through the morass. The infamous insects of the East Continent lurked here, their potent toxins a deadly threat to the unwary.

The Black Water Lake was a place of eerie danger, yet someone had made their home right beside it. A straw-thatched cottage stood adjacent to the lake, complete with a small courtyard adorned with stone tables and other such items. An old man was there, leisurely sipping wine.

Everything seemed perfectly ordinary.

The old man appeared to be just another human being.

But in such a setting, his indifference to the surrounding toxic mists was uncanny. It was clear that he was no ordinary man, for anyone from the East Continent would fear this poisonous fog if it were elsewhere.

Zhao Xiaoqi, however, was the exception. Shielded by the Clouded Tree, he didn't need to unleash its divine light to be impervious to the petty venom these insects could muster.

Despite the old man's unusual demeanor, Zhao Xiaoqi felt no trepidation.

His recent skirmishes had solidified his confidence; he was unmatched in strength across the East Continent.

Determined, Zhao Xiaoqi strode into the courtyard, intent on uncovering the charade. To him, this individual was putting on quite the convincing act.

Upon entering the courtyard, Zhao Xiaoqi was met with the sight of the Terror Serpent, previously vanished from the Black Water Lake, now sprawled out before the old man, its head gesturing anxiously.

Yet, this was no surprise. The Terror Serpent's presence had not gone undetected; its essence lingered. Zhao Xiaoqi, with his robust physique and keen senses, had already felt its presence. It was evident that this man and monster were acquainted.

As Zhao Xiaoqi approached, the old man looked up inquisitively, "Why have you returned so early today? Didn't you fancy a longer romp outside?"

The Terror Serpent, about to respond, caught wind of Zhao Xiaoqi's proximity.

Gone was the overwhelming aura, but the dread Zhao Xiaoqi instilled in the creature ran deep. It recognized him instantly.

Hoping against hope, the Terror Serpent glanced outside the courtyard, only to be met with Zhao Xiaoqi's beaming smile.

Stricken with fear, the Terror Serpent's eight heads entangled in panic, flicking their tongues at the old man in a desperate plea for salvation.

The old man was taken aback as he observed the Terror Serpent's frantic behavior. Despite the creature's usual obedience in his presence, it remained a formidable demon with significant cultivation. He wondered what could possibly terrify it so.

Moved by curiosity, the old man soothed the agitated Terror Serpent before turning his gaze to the courtyard's exterior.

Upon looking, he spotted an odd young man standing just outside. The young man's aura pulsed with source energy fluctuations indicative of a novice in the realm of cultivation. Yet, the old man knew better; his abode was not a place just anyone could stumble upon.

This peculiar youth had not only found his way here but stood calmly outside, his expression betraying no sign of peculiarity. It was indeed odd.

Zhao Xiaoqi remained unfazed under the old man's scrutiny, showing no discomfort as he steadily approached the courtyard.

The Terror Serpent, seeing no reaction from the old man as Zhao Xiaoqi drew nearer, grew increasingly desperate and began to flick its tongue at the old man in a panic.

The old man's brow furrowed at the sight of the Terror Serpent's distress. Ultimately, he raised his voice and commanded, "Halt."