Chapter 120: The Blood-Tailed Spotted Python

A sudden, inexplicable tremor shook the canyon. Stones from the mountaintop began to cascade down in a torrent. The Demonic Abyss was situated right in the middle of the gorge, surrounded by slanting cliffs on all sides. My master and I had nowhere to take cover. In a panic, I summoned my true Qi to form a protective shield, enveloping both of us within. Even so, I dared not be careless. Gripping the Iceblade Sword tightly, I deflected every large boulder hurtling toward our heads, while smaller debris was stopped by the shield’s barrier.

Gradually, I realized the shield’s strength had increased since before. Even millstone-sized stones, crashing down, caused the barrier to warp violently but ultimately repelled them. Comforted by the shield’s resilience against falling rocks, I prepared to accompany my master and inspect the Reincarnation Cauldron. At that moment, a flock of large birds suddenly swooped out from an unknown direction. Upon closer inspection, they were the Feathered Ones. Were they here to exact revenge? I quickly drew my revolver and took aim. As the Feathered Ones approached the Reincarnation Cauldron, I anticipated their intentions but was still a step too late—the Cauldron was carried away from the canyon by the birds. The distance was too great; I knew my revolver would be useless against them, so reluctantly I holstered the gun. At that instant, the stones stopped tumbling from above.

My master sighed, “Quick, bring the Thunderclap Bomb!”

I hurriedly handed him the talisman. With a light touch of his toe to the ground, he appeared instantly at the spot where the blue stone slab sealed the cave’s mouth. The slab trembled faintly, as if something was trying to break through. My master pressed the talisman onto the stone and swiftly traced an intricate symbol on it with his brush. Only then did the slab cease its shaking.

Just as I was about to approach, the rustling of leaves came from behind. Turning swiftly, I saw the Blood-tailed Spotted Python had awakened and was slithering toward us. Its blood-red tongue flickered from its mouth, and its massive body nearly filled the entire canyon. As the monstrous snake closed in, I dared not watch any longer. I dashed to my master’s side. The python was almost upon us.

My master had already noticed the snake by the time I reached him. Calmly, he hurled the talisman in his hand. Strangely, the paper talisman seemed almost alive; it clung to the python’s body as if it had eyes. Upon contact, the talisman erupted in a series of explosions, causing the python’s skin to burst open in fiery blossoms. The beast writhed violently on the ground. My master turned to me and said, “Quick, retrieve the Reincarnation Cauldron. I will deal with this python.”

I nodded and leapt onto the mountainside, bounding up several levels until I reached the highest point. From there, I looked down. The Thunderclap Bomb had failed to inflict fatal damage on the python. Resolute, my master engaged the beast in close combat. The python’s enormous size and incredible defenses made me wonder if my master could handle it alone. He punched the snake’s skull and shouted up to me, “What are you waiting for? Go! And remember, bring the Reincarnation Cauldron back before nightfall.”

Caught in his gaze, I had no more arguments. I trusted my master could handle the python. I soared out of the canyon on the wind, pursuing the Feathered Ones who had fled with the Cauldron. Above the canyon, sunlight bathed the land. Deep within, an old man fought a giant serpent. I had to reclaim the Cauldron quickly to aid my master!

The Feathered Ones seemed cunning, appearing neither too early nor too late, but precisely when we entered the canyon. They even tried to bury us in the Demonic Abyss with falling rocks—a despicable, shameless tactic. When I find them, I will give them a lesson they won’t forget!

The demonic crystal from the Gluttonous Divine Bull had indeed been invaluable. Now, my true Qi and demonic energy could merge, boosting my speed to a new level. If my speed had been 180 miles per hour before absorbing the crystal, it was now 220 miles per hour. Soon, I spotted the Feathered Ones ahead, clutching the Reincarnation Cauldron. Naturally, their pace was slower than mine. Summoning all my energy, I pushed to my limit and quickly closed the distance. I leapt into the Cauldron. The four Feathered Ones were startled by my presence and loosened their grip, causing the Cauldron and me to plummet rapidly. The Feathered Ones reacted swiftly, grabbing the Cauldron again just before hitting the ground and soaring upward once more.

I formed a protective shield and conjured a “Qi Sphere” from a fusion of demonic and true Qi to strike the Feathered Ones. The sphere, black and white in color, packed tremendous power. I didn’t know what to call it, so I simply named it the Qi Sphere. As I launched it, a young Feathered One bravely flew in front to shield its companions. Upon contact, the Qi Sphere exploded violently, causing the bird to scream and fall. Even if it survived the blast, the fall alone would be fatal.

I released another Qi Sphere. Again, a Feathered One came to block the attack and was sent tumbling down. The four birds still clung tightly to the Cauldron, pressing forward at top speed. Their companions sacrificed themselves to protect the Cauldron, using their bodies as shields. What could inspire such courage? Was the Cauldron truly more precious to them than life itself? Very well—I wanted to see how many were willing to risk death for it.

I continued my assault. One Feathered One after another was blasted away, only to be replaced by more fearless defenders. My true Qi and demonic energy were already severely depleted, yet the Feathered Ones pressed on relentlessly. This could not continue. I withdrew the Iceblade Sword from my ring and swung it. A visible white sword energy sliced through one of the birds, leaving a deep wound down to the bone. The injured bird faltered, and the Cauldron wobbled perilously. I nearly fell. Despite the agony, the bird fought to maintain balance. I dared not strike again rashly. I decided to retreat upward and mount another offensive.

As I bent my legs to leap out of the Cauldron, I realized my feet felt stuck, as if glued. I struggled desperately, and the Cauldron rocked violently. Blood from the Feathered Ones splattered across my face. No time to wipe it off. Inside the Cauldron was empty, yet my feet felt bound by some powerful adhesive. I was baffled. Soon, the Feathered Ones landed.

Upon touching the ground, the injured bird lowered its head, evidently at its limit. I looked up and scanned the area. The surroundings were swarming with countless Feathered Ones, their numbers impossible to count. I thought, this is it—I’ve been brought to their nest. The Feathered Ones would not let me go easily. At that moment, a larger, more imposing male Feathered One approached.