The Serpent’s Warning

The forest thinned as Lin Xuan and Li Fengxian approached the edge of the valley. The faint sound of a stream echoed in the distance, and the fresh scent of water carried on the morning breeze. It was a stark contrast to the heavy tension that weighed on them after the encounter with the mysterious figure.

As they crested a small ridge, a winding river came into view, its waters shimmering under the sunlight. Surrounding the river was an open glade, lush with tall grass and vibrant wildflowers. Despite the idyllic setting, Lin Xuan's instincts warned him of danger.

"Something's wrong," he muttered, scanning the area with narrowed eyes.

Li Fengxian nodded, her hand already on her sword. "I feel it too. This place is too quiet."

The usual chorus of birds and insects was absent, leaving only the unsettling sound of the wind rustling through the grass. Lin Xuan's hand tightened around the hilt of his blade as they moved cautiously toward the riverbank.

---

As they neared the water, a low, rumbling hiss reverberated through the glade. Lin Xuan stopped in his tracks, his eyes darting toward the sound. The grass ahead began to ripple unnaturally, and a moment later, a massive serpent emerged, its emerald scales glinting in the sunlight.

The creature's golden eyes fixed on them, unblinking and cold. It was easily thirty feet long, its body coiling and uncoiling with deliberate menace.

Li Fengxian drew her sword, the blade humming faintly as she infused it with energy. "A Spirit Serpent," she said grimly. "They're rare in these parts. What's it doing here?"

Lin Xuan didn't answer, his focus entirely on the serpent. He could feel its aura—ancient and powerful, with an intelligence that made it far more dangerous than an ordinary beast.

The serpent raised its head, its voice slithering into their minds like an invasive whisper. "Trespassers... you disturb my sanctuary."

Li Fengxian's grip on her sword tightened. "We mean no harm," she said, her tone firm but respectful. "We're only passing through."

The serpent's eyes narrowed. "Your kind always brings harm. I can smell the blood of battles on you. Leave now, or face the consequences."

Lin Xuan stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "We don't want to fight you, but we can't turn back. We have no choice but to cross this river."

The serpent hissed, its coils tightening. "Arrogance will be your downfall, mortal. Do you think your flimsy blades can harm me?"

Before Lin Xuan could respond, Li Fengxian raised her sword, the air around her shimmering with energy. "We're not looking for a fight, but if you insist on blocking our path, we won't hold back."

The serpent let out a deafening roar, the sound shaking the ground beneath their feet. "Then prove your worth, mortals. If you can withstand my wrath, I may allow you to pass."

---

The serpent lunged, its massive body a blur of motion. Lin Xuan barely had time to react as he leapt to the side, the creature's jaws snapping shut where he had stood moments before.

"Keep moving!" he shouted to Li Fengxian, drawing his sword.

She nodded, darting to the serpent's flank and striking with precision. Her blade grazed the creature's scales, leaving only a shallow mark. The serpent hissed in anger, whipping its tail toward her.

Lin Xuan seized the opportunity, channeling his energy into his sword. He struck the serpent's side, aiming for a gap between its scales. The blade sank in slightly before being forced out by the creature's thrashing.

"It's too well-armored!" Li Fengxian called, dodging another strike from the serpent's tail. "We need to find its weak spot!"

Lin Xuan's mind raced as he analyzed the serpent's movements. Its scales were impenetrable, but its eyes—those golden, glowing orbs—seemed vulnerable.

"Go for the eyes!" he shouted, adjusting his stance.

Li Fengxian nodded, her expression determined. She feinted to the left, drawing the serpent's attention, while Lin Xuan moved to the right.

The serpent reared back, its mouth opening to unleash a spray of venom. Lin Xuan rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the toxic spray, and surged forward. With a powerful leap, he drove his sword toward the serpent's eye.

The blade pierced true, and the serpent let out a guttural screech, its body convulsing in pain. Seizing the moment, Li Fengxian struck the other eye, blinding the creature completely.

The serpent thrashed wildly, its massive form tearing through the glade. Lin Xuan and Li Fengxian retreated to a safe distance, their breaths ragged.

---

After several minutes, the serpent's movements slowed, and it collapsed onto the ground. Its body shimmered faintly, then began to dissolve into motes of light.

From the remnants, a small orb of jade-green energy emerged, hovering in the air.

"What is that?" Li Fengxian asked, her voice filled with awe.

Lin Xuan stepped forward cautiously. "A Spirit Core. It's the essence of the serpent's power."

The core pulsed faintly, and a voice echoed in their minds once more. "You have proven yourselves, mortals. Take this gift, and may it aid you on your journey."

The core floated toward Lin Xuan, merging into his