C2 Giant Snake

Qin Biao had never anticipated the giant python's remarkable agility.

As the python descended from the tree, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, toppling trees and bending grass. Its speed was alarmingly fast, nearly catching up to him.

There was no point in running anymore!

With a sharp "snap!" Qin Biao picked up a rock and hurled it at the giant python.

It didn't cause any harm, but it succeeded in drawing the creature's attention.

Hiss...

"Thud!" A larger stone followed, yet it still inflicted no damage.

Now thoroughly provoked, the python coiled slightly before launching itself at Qin Biao like a released spring, bringing with it a foul stench.

Timing his jump perfectly, Qin Biao not only evaded the python's lunge but also managed to land firmly on its back.

"Crash!"

Qin Biao's strategy for handling the python's assault was more than just a simple dodge. He had chosen his standing spot wisely, with a large tree right behind him.

As he sidestepped the python's strike, the creature slammed into the tree with such force that it snapped the trunk, thick as a bowl's rim.

"Hiss!"

The python's cry was piercing, indicating it was in pain from the collision.

It moved unsteadily, seemingly dazed from the impact.

Even if the python hadn't been stunned, Qin Biao was in no position to lose.

Perched atop the python's back, he was out of reach of any counterattack. How could he, akin to a member of the Flying Dragon Cavalry, possibly lose?

The python writhed desperately, trying to shake Qin Biao off. But Qin Biao clung to its scales tenaciously; the more it thrashed, the tighter he gripped, causing it more pain.

In a frantic effort to dislodge Qin Biao, the python repeatedly slammed into trees, breaking them. Some of the fallen timber struck Qin Biao, yet he wouldn't release his hold. To let go would mean certain death!

Stab!

Seizing a moment when the python ceased its rolling, Qin Biao drew his knife and plunged it fiercely into the reptile's back.

This knife was something he had obtained from a hunter over the course of three years of training.

Qin Biao aimed for the gaps between the scales, where the knife could penetrate the python's body without resistance. Blood flowed freely from the wound as the blade sliced through.

The python hissed in pain and began to roll wildly once more.

No matter how much you thrash, I won't let go. I'm fighting to survive!

In the jungle, concepts of right and wrong are irrelevant. When you're facing an adversary, it's a matter of life or death!

Knowing the most vulnerable spot to strike a snake didn't help Qin Biao much with this massive python. He couldn't determine where to aim, so he resorted to repeatedly stabbing at the python's back.

The python's attacks were erratic, and though Qin Biao was riding its back, the violent movements took a toll on him as well. The python was grievously wounded, but Qin Biao wasn't spared from the impact either.

The loss of blood and the force of the collisions nearly caused Qin Biao to pass out, but his will to live spurred him on.

Life as a squirrel might not seem exciting...

But...

It's still my life!

I want to survive...

And I want to thrive more than anyone else!

Qin Biao steeled himself, no longer searching for the spaces between the scales. He just kept slashing relentlessly...

The battle had ceased to be about strength. It was a test of willpower now. The first to falter would lose, and the price of defeat was life itself.

The python, with Qin Biao clinging to it, crashed from the trees to the ground, from the forest to the rocky mountainside, but the knife in its back never ceased its work.

After what seemed like an eternity, the python's frenzied thrashing against the trees subsided. It coiled up, writhing in a last-ditch effort to dislodge Qin Biao from its back.

Stab! Stab! Stab!

Qin Biao's vision blurred, but he clung to the python's scales with one hand, the other hand wielding the small knife, continuing to stab.

The python's movements grew feeble. It was close to giving up, overwhelmed by the pain and blood loss.

Qin Biao, though appearing on the brink of death, dug his claws into the python's flesh. His other claw gripped the knife tightly, though the frequency of his stabs had lessened.

However...

Stab! Stab! Stab!

Qin Biao did not cease his efforts!

He would not stop until he was certain of his survival.

The gentle rain ceased, the heavy clouds parted, and the sun began its slow ascent into the dawn sky.

Qin Biao lay on the now-chilled python, drawing in the morning's first breath of purple qi. He felt no trace of magical power; instead, the purple qi transformed into spiritual force upon entering his body, weaving through his limbs and bones, infusing his nearly shattered form with a hint of vitality.

Despite emerging victorious from last night's battle, Qin Biao had paid a steep price.

He could feel multiple fractures throughout his body, and his already injured right leg had become swollen from being drenched in the rain all night.

Cough, cough...

He shouldn't be catching a cold, not with his level of cultivation. Yet, after a night soaked in the rain, even at his best, he wouldn't have been unscathed, much less now with his injuries.

Struggling to his feet, Qin Biao's entire body shook, particularly his injured right leg, which wobbled dangerously, threatening to give out at any moment.

I cannot fall here!

Who knows what kind of wild beasts might lurk in this place. If someone were to take advantage of my vulnerability, it would be a loss too great to bear.

Reflecting on last night, Qin Biao realized how perilous it had been to collapse here without any defenses. The thought sent shivers down his spine.

What should I do with this python?

A cultivated python like this one should be a treasure trove. Surely its flesh must be imbued with a considerable amount of spiritual force.

Qin Biao couldn't recall where he had heard that snakes bore a resemblance to the Dragon Clan, and thus their cultivation methods had similarities.

Dragons cultivated with the aid of Dragon Pearls, and while snakes lacked such pearls, they possessed snake gallbladders, which they used to concentrate all the absorbed spiritual force for their cultivation.

Legend had it that if a snake cultivated to a certain level, it could transform into a Flood Dragon, and its snake gall would evolve into a Dragon Pearl.

Thus, the snake gall was the most precious asset of a cultivated snake.

Moreover, snake skin could be fashioned into armor, snake fangs into weapons, and snake slough could be used in medicine. Indeed, the python before Qin Biao was a treasure in its entirety.