Chapter 10: Battle Against the Darkwater Python
Chapter 10: Battle Against the Darkwater Python
The Darkwater Python's golden eyes locked onto Han Ye, filled with cold, primal intelligence.
Its massive body, covered in dark, metallic scales, coiled around the lake, radiating an oppressive aura.
Han Ye could feel it.
Spirit Sea Level 7.
This beast wasn't just strong—it had likely lived in the Forbidden Shadow Valley for decades, absorbing the dark spiritual energy to refine its body.
And now, it stood between him and the Shadow Essence Lotus.
Han Ye exhaled, adjusting his grip on his sword.
He had no choice but to fight.
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The Serpent Strikes
Boom!
The Darkwater Python lashed out, its massive tail whipping toward Han Ye with terrifying force.
Han Ye reacted instantly.
Phantom Step!
His body flickered, narrowly avoiding the attack as the ground behind him exploded into a cloud of dust and debris.
But the python wasn't finished.
It twisted its body—
Whoosh!
Its gaping jaws snapped toward Han Ye, aiming to swallow him whole!
Han Ye's pupils shrank.
At the last moment, he twisted his body midair, planting his foot against the python's snout before launching himself backward.
Landing a few meters away, he frowned.
Its defenses were too strong.
Regular attacks wouldn't work against its hardened scales.
He needed a plan.
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Exploiting Weaknesses
Han Ye calmed his breathing, observing the python.
Every beast had a weakness.
And then, he saw it—
Whenever the python attacked, there was a brief moment where the soft flesh under its chin became exposed.
That was his chance.
Han Ye's eyes sharpened.
He only needed one strike.
The problem was—getting close enough.
The python wasn't just fast; its sheer size meant that every attack covered a wide area.
Rushing in recklessly would be suicide.
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The Decisive Move
Han Ye took a deep breath, focusing his energy.
Then—
He dashed forward.
The python hissed angrily, sensing his movement.
It struck again, its massive tail crashing down like a collapsing mountain!
But Han Ye was already in motion.
Shadow Sword Art: Mirage Steps!
His body blurred, splitting into multiple afterimages as he zigzagged forward, confusing the beast.
The python's tail smashed through three of his illusions, but Han Ye was already above its head.
The serpent reared back, exposing its throat.
Now!
Han Ye's sword flashed like lightning.
Shadow Sword Art: Phantom Slash!
A cold light streaked through the air, slicing across the python's exposed throat.
Splurt!
Black blood sprayed like a fountain.
The python let out a deafening shriek, thrashing wildly as it crashed into the lake.
Han Ye landed on a rock, panting heavily.
The python struggled for a few moments before its massive body finally stopped moving.
He had won.
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Claiming the Shadow Essence Lotus
Han Ye turned toward the lake's center.
On a small black stone platform, surrounded by floating mist, a single dark flower bloomed.
The Shadow Essence Lotus.
Its petals were a deep obsidian black, glowing faintly with an eerie radiance.
Han Ye carefully stepped forward and plucked it.
Instantly, a wave of dark spiritual energy surged into his body.
Boom!
His meridians trembled.
His cultivation was breaking through!
The energy of the lotus merged with the dark Qi he had absorbed in the valley, causing his spiritual sea to expand.
Spirit Sea Level 5!
He clenched his fists, feeling the newfound power surge through his veins.
A single battle.
A single victory.
And he had grown stronger once again.
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The Trial's End
With the Shadow Essence Lotus in hand and his cultivation improved, Han Ye left the valley.
Three days had passed.
When he arrived at the sect gates, Elder Wu and several Inner Sect disciples were already waiting.
Seeing Han Ye emerge unscathed, Elder Wu's eyes gleamed with approval.
"You did well." The elder nodded. "You have passed the trial."
Han Ye exhaled.
He was now an Inner Sect disciple.
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End of Chapter