Chapter 36: The Wise Bone Serpent!
“Let’s just stick to the old rules,” Bald Biao replied indifferently, striding over to Fu Yunsheng.
“Old Fu, no matter what, thank you for leading us before, helping us avoid many crises. But this time, you’re being a bit too cautious.” Bald Biao’s tone was gruff. “You’ll still get your share for this mission. When we take down that youngster, you’ll get a cut.”
Fu Yunsheng stared at him coldly, saying nothing.
Seeing his expression, Bald Biao sighed helplessly and turned to organize the next phase with the other scavengers.
Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the air from the direction of the temple.
Everyone’s faces changed as they stared toward the temple in shock.
…
As the dust finally settled, Wang Chen could make out the true form of the massive shadow.
It resembled a giant python, though it was hard to say for certain; it had no flesh or scales, only a long, sinister skeleton—nothing but a bare, elongated spine and ribs.
Given its tremendous size, it was most likely a python.
Beast’s Eye!
A flash of purple light crossed Wang Chen’s eyes, and information about the beast surfaced in his mind.
Skeletal Python, Level 20.
Description: “Corrupted by dark magic, the python has risen from death. Its flesh was devoured clean by maggots, leaving only this desiccated skeleton. Do not underestimate it for its lack of flesh—otherwise, you will regret it dearly when you face its furious assault.”
Skill One: Rushing Tail—Although it lacks the powerful tendons of its living days, under the blessing of dark magic, it can rapidly whip its tail and belly, granting it bursts of astonishing speed. Combined with its massive size, the force generated is tremendous.
Skill Two: Binding Gaze—When struck by this skill, you’ll be plunged into a period of paralyzing numbness, fully conscious but unable to move.
Wang Chen’s heart tightened.
A level-twenty Skeletal Python—this was the highest-level beast he had ever encountered.
What’s more, the combination of its two abilities would render him a helpless puppet, left to be pulverized by the python’s train-like onslaught.
“Human! You have disturbed my master’s slumber! You are doomed!” Suddenly, a thunderous voice boomed from the python’s jaws.
“You can speak!” Wang Chen was startled. This meant the Skeletal Python possessed considerable intelligence, making it even more dangerous.
“Master? You have a master? Who is it?” Wang Chen pressed.
“You are not worthy to know my master’s name. You need only pay for your recklessness with your life!” the Skeletal Python declared. “I, the dark servant of my great master, will now claim your existence!”
With that, the Skeletal Python coiled its body, surging at Wang Chen with overwhelming force.
Wang Chen kicked off with both legs, rolling aside to dodge.
Missing its mark, the python twisted its spine, and its tail whipped through the air with a gust, lashing toward Wang Chen!
He had just landed, not yet recovered his stance, when the blow struck him!
A trembling ripple ran across the watery shield enveloping his body, then it quickly surged and broke—the Spring Surge Guard’s method of dispersing force.
But the python’s strike was so fearsome that it exceeded the threshold of what the shield could withstand; the water shattered like glass, spray flying everywhere!
Wang Chen’s body was sent hurtling, crashing into a stone pillar before coming to a stop.
Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself upright, pain searing through his ribs and back from the dual impacts.
This Skeletal Python was even more agile than he’d anticipated.
Its massive size didn’t hinder its lightning-fast speed at all!
There was no time to probe further—he had to unleash his full strength and end this beast as quickly as possible.
A flash at his fingertips—Forest Gale appeared in his grip, glowing with white radiance!
“Divine Haste!”
A ripple seemed to sweep the air; everything slowed, even the python’s massive form twisting through the space appeared sluggish.
Not yet finished, Wang Chen pointed the staff of Forest Gale at himself—another surge of white light!
“Divine Haste (Unreversed)!”
Though the glow was the same, the aura was utterly different—this light brimmed with nimbleness and grace as it burst forth!
Struck by the shimmering pulse, Wang Chen’s movements grew light and agile in an instant.
He kicked off from the stone pillar, using the recoil to evade the python’s next lunge.
This time, wary of the python’s tail, Wang Chen kept moving, not allowing it a chance to strike again.
Meanwhile, he swung Forest Gale at himself—the staff’s tip radiated blue light!
“Life’s Benediction (Unreversed)!”
The azure healing wave washed over him, soothing the pain in his battered body.
Crack!
Another vicious tail strike, but Wang Chen was ready; he dodged aside at once!
Seeing Wang Chen’s speed surge and its attacks fail, the python’s bony frame lit with black light.
Darkness flowed to its tail, coalescing into a gigantic shadow, then the python coiled and shot forth with blinding speed!
Wang Chen’s eye twitched as the staff’s tip sparked with electricity.
“Lightning Barrier (Unreversed)!”
Three lightning barriers formed—not floating around him this time, but set in the python’s path at his direction!
Boom!
As expected, the barriers flashed and shattered against the charging python, but they managed to slow its advance, buying Wang Chen a precious moment to escape the corner of certain death.
“It’s using Rushing Tail! Now its speed will be even more terrifying—how do I counter this?” Wang Chen’s mind raced.
Confronting the python as it charged, he suddenly swung Forest Gale.
“Think you’re good at ramming? Then ram to your heart’s content!”
“Binding Spell (Reversed)!”
A point of light shot from the staff, striking the python!
No sooner had he cast the spell than Wang Chen leapt aside.
The python barreled past, twisting its body to try to whip him with its tail.
But with a flick of Forest Gale, Wang Chen manipulated the spell—the python slid uncontrollably, crashing headlong into the marble wall!
Bang, bang, bang!
The Skeletal Python was left dazed and reeling.
At the tip of Forest Gale, a thread of light—fine as piano wire—was drawn taut, still connecting Wang Chen’s staff and the python’s body at the spot he’d just struck.
That thread, the anchor of his control, forced the python to act as he willed, sending it straight into the wall.
Yet, after that exertion, the thread had thinned dangerously, as if it might snap at any moment.
It was clear the python’s sheer bulk was straining the reversed Binding Spell to its limit—it wouldn’t hold much longer.
“In that case, let’s end this quickly!”
Wang Chen drew forth a magic scroll and tore it open.
“Heavenly Firefall—Gold Tier!”
A golden light burst from the scroll, painting a giant magical sigil in the sky. A terrifying power began to gather overhead.