C1 White Snake

As the early spring rain gently nourished all life, deep within a mountain on the East Continent, a white egg developed a crack. A jade-white head poked through, revealing a small, snow-white snake.

The White Snake surveyed her surroundings, a forest, recalling her last moments in her previous life being carried into a place called a hospital. "I must be dead," she mused silently.

Driven by hunger, she had no time for contemplation, only a desperate search for sustenance. Whether due to reincarnation or some other cause, her past life memories were fading into obscurity.

Survival was paramount, regardless of her past. As a snake, she felt no discomfort, her instincts clear: no food meant death. She hunted the mountain's animals, guided by these primal urges.

Sometimes, she'd consume odd herbs and fruits. Their nature was unknown to her, but she instinctively knew they were beneficial, strengthening her with each bite. Thus, she feasted on the mountain's Immortal Grass and wildlife.

Years slipped by unnoticed, and the White Snake grew to dominate the mountain, her length stretching from mere centimeters to over ten meters.

Her previous life became a distant, hazy memory. Yet, she retained the knowledge that she was once human in another world, a world without the bizarre creatures here, only mechanical giants.

Perched atop a tree nearly a hundred meters tall, so wide that it would take over ten people to encircle it, the White Snake claimed this territory as her own. It had once been home to a giant eagle, but after she had strangled it, the tree became her residence.

Now, the White Snake's consciousness had evolved beyond the chaos of her initial arrival in this world. She was no longer a creature of mere instinct.

"I've been in this world for so long, yet I still roam this mountain. When will I leave and explore where humans dwell? But as a giant python, my presence would terrify them," she contemplated in silence.

Coiled on the tree, she rested with her eyes closed. As a snake, she could go a long time without food after a meal.

While basking in the sun, her mind wandered, and a sudden thought struck her. "Could I possibly cultivate into a monster? No ordinary snake grows as large as I have. If I can master the art of cultivation, might I take on human form?"

Throughout the years, she had occasionally seen figures flying overhead on swords, likely the fabled immortals. Yet, she had never encountered another serpent of her size, though she had seen other massive creatures, like the giant eagle she had vanquished.

"But how do I cultivate? Surely, there's more to it than just eating and sleeping. Without the right method, my efforts could be in vain," she pondered.

"If I keep on this path, it might take decades, even centuries, to see significant progress."

The White Snake considered her options for cultivation. As a monster, she couldn't seek a mentor; she would have to forge her own path.

After much contemplation, White Snake was unable to come up with a viable solution. Reluctantly, she decided to set the matter aside and quietly digest her meal.

Throughout the years, she had sampled a wide array of Spiritual Grass and Immortal Grass within the vast reaches of the Million Miles Mountain. She speculated that it was likely these mystical plants that had caused her to grow so immense. She reasoned that if she continued to consume them, her strength would keep increasing.

Yet, she knew this approach wasn't sustainable. Mastering the proper techniques for cultivation was crucial.

Time marched on, and the fruit of the great tree that White Snake called home was ripening. When she had first claimed the tree five years prior, the fruit was already present. She had watched over it for half a decade, yet it had remained stubbornly unripe.

Gradually, White Snake had stopped paying it much attention. But now, unexpectedly, the fruit was on the verge of maturing. She couldn't explain why, but she felt as if the fruit itself was signaling its readiness.

Lost in thought, White Snake's attention was drawn by distant noises. Flicking her tongue, she detected a dangerous scent on the breeze. The air was thick with the stench of blood.

"Is there a slaughter taking place? Or perhaps another battle for territory?" she wondered.

Despite her uncertainty about the events unfolding, White Snake was clear on one thing: the fruit was of great importance to her, and she would not allow it to be taken by others.

Choosing to ignore the distant chaos, she remained coiled on the tree, patiently awaiting the fruit's maturation.

As the scent of blood grew stronger, White Snake's resolve did not waver.

Then, a sudden intuition struck her, and she looked up at the nearly ripe fruit. It blossomed open, radiating a soft golden glow.

Without a moment's hesitation, White Snake devoured the fruit whole, foregoing any attempt to savor its flavor. After all, snakes consume their prey in such a manner. But no sooner had she swallowed the fruit than a sharp pain wracked her stomach, causing her to lose consciousness.

Fortunately, her body was securely wrapped around the tree, preventing her from tumbling to the ground even in her faint. Her massive head lay upon a branch, giving the appearance of slumber.

Time passed indeterminably before a voice echoed in White Snake's mind. "A vast energy has been detected. System activation is now complete."

"Loading host information. Loading complete."

"Would you like to store the surplus energy from the Golden Fruit? No response detected. Defaulting to 'Yes'."

Groggily, White Snake lifted her head, trying to make sense of the odd voice that had emerged within her thoughts.

"System?" she pondered, dredging up knowledge from her past life. "It seems this must be something those who are reborn possess."

"System, are you there?" she inquired silently.

In response, a display materialized in her mind, seemingly outlining the system's purpose with familiar script from her previous existence. Thankfully, despite having forgotten much, she retained her literacy.

She scrutinized the text before her, eventually arriving at the system's main interface, which presented only the most basic details:

Name: None

Talent: None

Skills: None

Cultivation: Beginner Level of Spiritual Intelligence - 25 years

Energy: 6700 points (Energy remaining from the Golden Fruit, available for strength enhancement)

Merit Points: 0

This was the sum of her data. Additionally, the interface featured sections for a Merchant Shop, missions, and challenges.

To her surprise, White Snake found herself without a name, which left her momentarily bewildered.

After some reflection, she realized she truly couldn't recall her name.

With a brief pause for thought, she chose the name Bai Mang for herself.

The name was chosen on a whim.

But to her, a name was merely a label.

Once she settled on her name, the system updated the name field to Bai Mang, leaving everything else unchanged.

She then invested the rest of her energy into advancing her cultivation.

A thousand energy points yielded only a year's worth of cultivation progress.

Her body didn't grow longer. She estimated that with an additional four thousand energy points, she could undergo molting, which would significantly increase her length.

"The Golden Fruit's power is immense, but it seems most of the energy went into activating the system?" Bai Mang was puzzled. After all, she was merely a snake and such matters were beyond her understanding.

Her past life's memories contained no such knowledge, and the system offered no explanations.

Bai Mang intended to keep using energy to enhance her abilities, but she detected a scent of danger—a bloody odor wafting in her direction.

Typically, no creature dared to venture into her domain, especially the colossal beasts that dominated other territories.

These behemoths were well aware that this was Bai Mang's realm. Any intruder would inevitably face a battle with her.

Their Spiritual Intelligence had long since awakened, making them keenly aware that survival was paramount. Unnecessary battles were to be avoided.

A conflict with Bai Mang would result in mutual destruction, ultimately benefiting others—a pointless risk.

Facing the direction of the blood scent, Bai Mang considered her next move. While snake eyesight was generally poor, she was no ordinary python; her vision was quite sharp, though her sense of smell was even more acute.

Bai Mang shook her head—she wouldn't flee. The Golden Fruit Tree was a treasure, and cultivating near it promised even greater rewards.

"It seems I must fight," Bai Mang concluded as she sensed the approaching figures.

A bear, a tiger, and a wolf, all exuding a bloody presence, had evidently clashed before. Yet, for some reason, they had now banded together.

"Are they the other sovereigns of these mountains? Perhaps the Golden Fruit I consumed was too tempting for them. They aim to slay me before I've fully digested it, hoping to divide the fruit amongst themselves."

Bai Mang flicked her tongue, contemplating her strategy.

"I should be able to win!" With determination, she absorbed another 3,000 energy points, bolstering her power.

She refrained from absorbing enough energy to molt, knowing that would necessitate a swift search for a molting spot. She would be exceedingly vulnerable during that time—clearly not the opportune moment.

Confident in victory, she acknowledged the cost and the likelihood of sustaining injuries. These were no ordinary foes but Demonic Beasts with awakened Spiritual Intelligence and formidable strength.

Yet, with the system and the energy from the Golden Fruit at her disposal, Bai Mang was assured of her triumph.

Winning was not just an option—it was imperative!

Lost in thought, Bai Mang realized the three intelligent monsters had already arrived.