Snake King! . . .
Observing Xiao Mufei's diligent efforts in clearing the slain snakes, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but approach with a humble and honest demeanor. Expressing his willingness to assist, Cha Eun Xiao reasoned, "Elder Xiao, you are too important to do such a thing. Let me help. You have a group of men to lead."
With a touch of modesty, he continued, "I am weak. I can't help with the fight. I have been watching you guys here and couldn't do anything. It makes me feel bad. I just need to be careful about the poison when dealing with the dead snakes. I can do it. Just let me do something, please."
After a moment's contemplation, Xiao Mufei nodded in agreement, realizing that Cha Eun Xiao's request was not only genuine but also prudent. He ought to remain vigilant during the battle, and Cha Eun Xiao's help with the deceased snakes would not only lighten the burden but also ensure his safety.
Thoughts flickered through Xiao Mufei's mind as he regarded Cha Eun Xiao. "Chongxiao asked for a chance to contribute. What a commendable individual. His eagerness to engage in this task shows his dedication. He simply needs to exercise caution with the poison. It should be a safe undertaking."
He voiced his approval, stating, "Alright. I will leave it to you. The snakes are dead, but the poison is still there. Just be careful. Additionally, stay within our defensive perimeter."
Assured of Cha Eun Xiao's ability to handle the task, Xiao Mufei shifted his focus back to the battle at hand, ensuring that everything proceeded as planned.
Meanwhile, Cha Eun Xiao initiated a silent conversation with Erhuo, his loyal feline companion, gauging the cat's interest in the deceased snakes. Erhuo responded with affirmative "meows," expressing both its fondness for the snakes and their utility.
Under Erhuo's influence, Cha Eun Xiao developed an understanding of the situation. Erhuo craved the snakes for their unique qualities, and Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but notice the cat's peculiarly vast appetite.
With his task at the defensive perimeter's boundary, Cha Eun Xiao deftly handled the snake carcasses. His motions were swift and efficient. He lifted them and hurled them high into the distance, a feat that seemed almost magical. In the midst of the snakes' flight, their numbers became difficult to discern, concealing the fact that several snake bodies were mysteriously vanishing.
All the while, Erhuo trailed Cha Eun Xiao, adopting an air of indifference as it moved about. To anyone observing, the cat seemed innocuous, perhaps bored. Little did they suspect that it was indulging in a clandestine feast.
Indeed, who would assume that such a diminutive creature harbored an insatiable appetite?
As Cha Eun Xiao tirelessly worked to clear the area, the pile of deceased snakes grew thicker, a testament to the increased efficiency of the disciples who had grasped the importance of targeting the caruncle.
Xiao Mufei, though focused on the battle, occasionally cast a sidelong glance at Cha Eun Xiao. His primary concern was ensuring Cha Eun Xiao's safety and preventing any accidental poison exposure. However, the sight of Cha Eun Xiao's adept snake-cleaning skills couldn't help but elicit admiration.
Observing Cha Eun Xiao's diligence, Xiao Mufei couldn't help but reflect on his disciple's virtues. "Cha Chongxiao is an exceptional disciple. Unfazed by hardships and fatigue, he maintains a steadfast commitment to his duty. This dedicated young man, exhibiting poise and sharp wits amid the chaos, has the makings of a Cold Moon Palace luminary."
Meanwhile, within the confines of the Space, tens of thousands of snake corpses had already accumulated. Cha Eun Xiao, taking into account Erhuo's fondness for the reptilian spoils, persisted in stockpiling them. He had come to the understanding that anything beloved by Erhuo must possess exceptional qualities.
As the Cold Moon Palace disciples prevailed in the ongoing battle, a strange scent suddenly pervaded the air. Something unexpected was afoot, as the distinctive whistling of the snakes came to an abrupt halt. Although the serpents remained agitated, a radiant silver light approached them, far brighter than the snakes' ethereal glow. It resembled a silvery moon casting its radiance upon them, introducing a new element of intrigue into the unfolding events.
The approaching light grew brighter, drawing ever nearer. It was evident that the main contingent of the Silver-scaled Golden-caruncle Snakes was making its way towards them, a formidable force advancing with the grace and grandeur of a monarch entering a city.
Under the radiant sea of silver light, a hint of golden radiance shimmered within, resembling the arrival of a sovereign to his domain. The snakes in the vicinity appeared to bow their heads, acknowledging the presence of their king.
Xiao Mufei, gripped by a sense of shock, experienced an intense surge of apprehension. He could scarcely contain the gravity of the situation. Could it be that the legendary Silver-scaled Golden-caruncle Snake King was heading their way?
Xao Mufei had concealed certain crucial information about the snakes from the others, information that would have greatly shaken the confidence of the men. The Silver-scaled Golden-caruncle Snakes, while officially categorized as level three creatures, possessed scales of unparalleled toughness, serving as an almost impenetrable defense. This revelation had been intentionally withheld to maintain the men's morale.
Complicating matters further, the larger snakes confronting them were, in fact, level four creatures, while the smaller ones varied between level three and lower, contingent upon their age. The final wave of snakes they had faced were all roughly at level seven, a fact corroborated by Xiao Mufei's extensive knowledge.
The snake king that compelled the subservience of the others was an entirely different breed, likely reaching level eight or perhaps even level nine, a fearsome beast that would send most Qing-Yun Realm cultivators fleeing in terror. The martial practitioners of Cold Moon Palace were ill-prepared to face such a formidable adversary, an opponent against whom their chances of victory were virtually nonexistent.
The individual who had initiated the whistling sound had evidently recognized the appearance of the snake king and wisely chosen to withdraw. His actions indicated an awareness that staying would likely lead to his demise. He had probably never anticipated that the snake king would be lured out by his whistling. Nonetheless, his unspoken conviction was that the members of Cold Moon Palace currently embroiled in this battle were doomed to meet a grim fate.
As the snake king drew near, the remaining snakes intensified their attacks. While the martial practitioners had discerned the snakes' weak point, they struggled to defeat their numerous adversaries in a swift manner. The prolonged battle exacted a toll, leading to the painful cries of numerous individuals. Tragedy struck as twenty more men fell victim to snake bites.
A final act of heroic defiance was displayed by a brave soul who, upon receiving a fatal bite, charged headlong into the midst of the snakes, inflicting grievous casualties before succumbing to the venom. The surrounding snakes eagerly devoured him, leaving naught behind but a pile of bones.
With the passage of time, even these remains vanished, dissolving into ethereal ashes that dissipated into the air without a trace.