Five-Colored Poison Python

It was unknown how vast the lush forest was. After walking for at least half a day, Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng could not see its end. Furthermore, as they ventured deeper, the trees grew denser and taller. The Endless Mountains, stretching for 100,000 miles, naturally encompassed various terrains, such as lakes, forests, plains, and canyons.

Zhuge Xiang's choice had indeed been correct. Since entering the forest, they had not encountered any pursuing demon beasts or heard any screams for half a day. However, as they meandered through the forest, Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng realized they were lost and had no idea of their whereabouts.

Along the way, they sporadically encountered one-star low-grade demon beasts. Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng dispatched them easily, gaining some EXP. However, no items dropped. Clearly, when defeating weaker foes, not only did their EXP rewards diminish, but the drop rate of items also decreased.

The storage belt had proven to be of no use in the battle for the top five prizes in the competition. The certificate to upgrade the quality of the Dharma artifacts could only be obtained at the sect's headquarters. The Yin Gu Pot and the Five Poison Palm had been given to Niu Geng, so the only valuable item left for Zhuge Xiang was the cloak.

Flowing Cloud Cloak (One-star Dharma artifact): Defense 8-12. Special Effect: Activate a shield state that absorbs 20 points of damage if no attacks or skills are used for 30 seconds. Duration: 28/35. Weight: 3.

This was the attribute of the Flowing Cloud Cloak. It provided defense and featured a shield skill. As long as Zhuge Xiang refrained from being attacked or using skills for 30 seconds, he could activate a shield that absorbed 20 points of damage.

Although the shield would not be activated during a battle, to be able to obtain such a state before a battle was equivalent to having an additional 20 health points. It was a practical equipment. Coupled with this Flowing Cloud Cloak, Zhuge Xiang now had five Dharma artifacts on him. The number of these Dharma artifacts was enough to make the other disciples extremely envious.

The Blood Refined Saber, Blocking Blade, Flowing Cloud Cloak, Frost Headband, and Star Chasing Boots—these were the five Dharma artifacts in Zhuge Xiang's possession. With his cultivation at the third level of the Qi Nourishing stage and the enhancement of these artifacts, he believed that he had a chance against an opponent at the fourth level of the Qi Nourishing stage, even without resorting to the Bloodthirst Technique. Of course, this presupposed that the other party didn't possess powerful Dharma artifacts or impressive skills.

After running for half a day, evening was fast approaching. Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng cautiously searched for a place to rest. Being in the depths of the Endless Mountains, the presence of demon beasts here was incomparable to the outskirts. High-star demon beasts still roamed the area, and it would undoubtedly become even more dangerous once darkness fell. Thus, finding a safe place before nightfall was of utmost importance.

However, not long after, the sound of battle reached their ears. The roars were intertwined with a delicate cry, a voice they recognized all too well.

Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng exchanged glances and nodded. Carefully, they moved in the direction of the battle sounds. After walking for over 200 meters, they finally caught sight of the two sides engaged in combat.

There was a massive, colorful python, as thick as a thigh and measuring around 13 to 14 meters in length. Its wide-open mouth emitted a putrid odor. Just by looking at it, one could sense its terrifying toxicity. Fighting against this python were Hua Nongying and Lu Yuling.

Hua Nongying, utilizing her mastery-level Ghostly Steps, darted around the python at high speed. The short knife in her hand launched relentless attacks, diverting the attention of the five-colored poisonous python. This short knife was the prize she had won in the major competition—a one-star Dharma artifact.

Initially, with Hua Nongying's speed and her knife strikes, she had a chance to defeat a demon beast that hadn't reached the two-star level. However, although this Five-Colored Poison Python had not attained two stars yet, its body was covered in fingernail-sized scales that proved highly resistant to attacks. Hua Nongying's strikes could barely break through the scales.

Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm, coupled with the assistance of Ice Silk and her mechanical puppet, bolstered Hua Nongying's attacks, but it had limited effect on the Five-Colored Poison Python. Moreover, from the looks of it, this python was on the verge of advancing to the realm of a one-star high-grade demon beast. Its strength was comparable to that of a cultivator at the sixth level of the Qi Nourishing stage.

"Hey, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here." Upon seeing Hua Nongying and Lu Yuling, Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng emerged from their hiding. Zhuge Xiang greeted them casually.

"Zhuge Xiang?" Seeing Zhuge Xiang walk out, Lu Yuling and Hua Nongying's eyes lit up. Clearly, they did not expect to meet him here.

However, this situation was just perfect. Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm had already affected the speed of the Five-Colored Poison Python. The only obstacle that made their battle difficult was the resilience of the python's scales. In terms of attacking power, Zhuge Xiang was naturally formidable.

"Why aren't you coming to help?" Lu Yuling was furious upon seeing Zhuge Xiang emerge and his nonchalant demeanor.

"Of course," Zhuge Xiang replied. He swiped his hand over his storage belt, and the Blood Refined Saber appeared in his grasp. He slightly lowered his body and infused his Qi Force into the blade. A scarlet Qi Force materialized, taking on a spectral face. As the Blood Lightning Slash gathered Qi, Zhuge Xiang's aura grew stronger and stronger.

Sensing the threat Zhuge Xiang posed, the Five-Colored Poison Python let out an uneasy roar. However, Zhuge Xiang's attack was too swift.

Instantly activating the Bloodthirst Technique and augmenting his speed with the Star Chasing Boots, Zhuge Xiang executed the Violent Steps. The Blood Lightning Slash resounded with a resolute and chilling force. A blood-red saber beam flashed, capable of severing even steel as thick as a thigh in a single strike. Although the scales of the Five-Colored Poison Python were highly resistant to attacks, it was still a flesh-and-blood body.

"What a formidable attack…" Hua Nongying was very shocked by Zhuge Xiang's attack.

Although Zhuge Xiang had previously employed the Blood Lightning Slash against Ji Wuxue in the competition, he was only at the second level of the Qi Nourishing stage back then. Furthermore, he didn't possess the support of the Violent Steps skill. How could it compare to the astonishment he elicited in this moment? A demonic beast that was nearing the high-grade level of one star was instantly slain with a single slash. In terms of sheer attacking power, Zhuge Xiang had already reached an impressive level.

"Ding… Killed a one-star mid-grade demonic python. Obtained 212 EXP. Obtained Antidote Pill."

As the Five-Colored Poison Python was slain, the system's mechanical notification chimed. 212 EXP? This slightly surprised Zhuge Xiang. After defeating Lu Yuling, who was at the fourth level of the Qi Nourishing stage, he had already gained 200 EXP. Yet, this demonic python, at the sixth level of the Qi Nourishing stage, was only worth 212 EXP?

However, upon observing Lu Yuling and Hua Nongying, Zhuge Xiang realized that while there was an EXP bonus for fighting opponents above one's level, teaming up with others naturally yielded more EXP.

Furthermore, Lu Yuling had exerted significant effort in that battle, expending 200 EXP points. As for these 212 EXP points, Zhuge Xiang had acquired them with just a single Blood Lightning Slash. Although the overall EXP gain would be reduced, in terms of efficiency, teaming up was evidently more efficient than fighting alone. At the very least, if he collaborated with Lu Yuling, her Clear Wave Palm combined with his Ice Silk Gloves would provide him with the opportunity to accumulate Qi and activate the Blood Lightning Slash.

Reaching out, Zhuge Xiang touched his waist, revealing a black elixir in his hand. Since acquiring the storage belt, all items dropped by enemies would appear in it. The storage belt was not very large, displaying only 12 compartments in front of Zhuge Xiang. If multiple elixirs of the same kind were obtained, they could be stacked in the same compartment. The previous Energy Recovery Pill worked this way, but equipment and similar items couldn't be stacked.

Zhuge Xiang found it peculiar that there were 12 storage compartments. Previously, when he inquired with Lu Yuling on the Asura battleship, her storage belt consisted of fixed space. It seemed that the Super Game System had made some changes.

Antidote Pill (Special Consumable): An antidote for all poisons with statuses below 3-Star.

The description was brief, but Zhuge Xiang was highly satisfied. The Endless Mountains housed countless poisonous snakes and ferocious beasts. Being afflicted by poison would pose great difficulty. With such an antidote pill, safety was significantly enhanced.

After reuniting with Lu Yuling and Hua Nongying, Zhuge Xiang naturally formed a good rapport with them. It was only sensible for the four of them to stick together, ensuring increased safety, right? Zhuge Xiang, Hua Nongying, and Lu Yuling were undoubtedly strong. However, Niu Geng was merely a disciple who had recently grasped Qi Force. He lacked any martial arts skills and could be deemed a liability.

"Wouldn't it be burdensome to bring him along?" Although Hua Nongying had a lively personality, she posed this question directly.

Though Hua Nongying's question seemed somewhat harsh, it was understandable. Demonic sects were known for their directness and ruthlessness, even going as far as killing their own sect members for personal gain. In this highly perilous escape, it was evident that Hua Nongying was displeased with the idea of bringing along a burden like Niu Geng.

Although Zhuge Xiang did not feel comfortable with Hua Nongying's attitude, he could understand it. After all, he did not have much of a relationship with Hua Nongying. If Hua Nongying brought along a burden, Zhuge Xiang would be unhappy too.

"He's my friend. I won't leave him behind. If you genuinely believe he's unsuitable, the two of us can depart," Zhuge Xiang replied, his gaze fixed on Hua Nongying.

Lu Yuling remained silent. Although she was in good relations with both parties, it was not appropriate for her to interfere in such a matter of life and death. Otherwise, they would not even be friends anymore. Friends helped each other in times of crisis, not put each other in dissatisfaction and danger.

Niu Geng felt deeply moved by Zhuge Xiang's words to Hua Nongying. He had no intention of causing trouble for Zhuge Xiang. Niu Geng approached the Five-Colored Poison Python and retrieved a small knife, deftly extracting the poisonous gland from the snake's body.

Waving the poison gland in his hand, Niu Geng spoke, "Though I've recently grasped Qi Force and haven't learned any martial arts, I possess considerable knowledge about poisons. If you happen to be poisoned, I believe I can find a way to save you. Furthermore, I can assist you in refining poisons and applying them to your weapons."