The clearing shook as the Stage 8 python let out a deafening roar, its massive coils smashing through the surrounding trees as it lashed out in a fit of rage. Despite its weakened state, the beast's power was overwhelming, each strike causing the earth to tremble beneath the cultivators' feet.
Zhao Kuan, the leader of the group, narrowed his eyes as he deflected yet another strike from the python's tail. The beast's attacks were relentless, its red eyes glowing with fury as it defended the glowing egg nestled behind it.
"We underestimated this thing!" Zhao Kuan shouted, his voice strained as he summoned a blast of Qi to block the python's next attack. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, pushing him back a few steps. The ground beneath him cracked, the sheer force of the python's strikes too much to take head-on.
Liu Han and Zhang Yue, both at Qi Refinement Stage 6, had been advancing toward the egg but were forced to halt as the python's tail swung dangerously close, nearly taking their heads off. They dodged in time, but not without consequences.
"Its strength hasn't waned as much as we thought!" Zhang Yue grimaced, his arm bleeding from a gash caused by a flying piece of debris. His sword trembled in his grip as he eyed the python warily, its massive body moving with unnerving speed for such a large creature.
Liu Han, similarly wounded, struggled to regain his footing. His leg had been grazed by the python's tail, leaving him limping as he tried to reposition himself. "It's too fast! We need to wear it down more before we can go for the egg."
Xian Di, hidden in the shadows of the dense foliage, watched the cultivators' struggle with cold calculation. The python, even with its weakened aura, was clearly more than a match for the group of attackers. The situation had become more chaotic than he expected, but it also presented the perfect opportunity.
The python roared again, its massive head striking out at Zhao Kuan. The Qi Refinement Stage 7 (Peak) cultivator barely managed to avoid the attack, his body flickering as he dodged to the side. He grunted in frustration, realizing the python was still too powerful for a quick victory.
Zhao Kuan's eyes flickered toward the retreating figures of Liu Han and Zhang Yue, both of them injured and trying to regroup. "I can't hold it off much longer!" Zhao Kuan shouted, his voice tinged with frustration. "Get back here and help before it crushes us all!"
The two cultivators rushed back, but their injuries slowed them down, leaving Zhao Kuan to fend off the python's vicious strikes with minimal support. Another swipe from the python's tail sent Zhang Yue tumbling backward, his weapon flying out of his hand. Blood trickled down his face as he struggled to stand.
The python hissed, sensing victory as it coiled back, ready to deliver a killing blow.
From the edge of the clearing, Xian Di knew the time to act had come. With the cultivators distracted and the python fully focused on them, he activated his Serpent's Shadow Maneuver, his form flickering like a ghost as he moved swiftly toward the egg.
The system's task still lingered in his mind: retrieve the egg unharmed.
With his Proficient level movement skill, enhanced by his new cultivation at Qi Refinement Stage 5 (Early), Xian Di darted forward, his presence barely noticeable amidst the chaos. The python, consumed by its fury, paid him no mind as its focus remained locked on the cultivators.
In a single fluid motion, Xian Di appeared beside the egg. His hand closed around its smooth surface, feeling the pulse of energy from within. The egg was large and radiated a potent, raw power. This was no ordinary treasure.
System Notification
Objective Completed: Retrieve the Python Egg Unharmed
Reward Issued: Thunder-based spear skill upgraded to Beginner level.
As the system's power surged through him, enhancing his Thunder-based spear skill, Xian Di wasted no time. His body became a blur once more as he darted back into the shadows, the egg cradled securely in his arms.
The python, finally noticing the absence of its egg, let out a roar of pure rage. Its head whipped around, searching for the thief, but Xian Di was already yards away, disappearing into the dense forest.
"Stop him!" Liu Han shouted, pointing in Xian Di's direction. Zhao Kuan's face twisted in fury as he realized the egg had been taken right under their noses.
"After him!" Zhao Kuan barked, his voice full of anger, but the cultivators were in no condition to give chase. Their injuries slowed them down, and Xian Di's speed, combined with his movement skills, made him nearly impossible to catch.
The cultivators gave chase, but it was futile. Xian Di moved like a phantom through the forest, his speed unmatched as he evaded their pursuit with ease.
After several minutes of running, Xian Di spotted a cave nestled within the side of a rocky hill. He dashed inside, the cool air of the cave offering a brief respite from the chase. His heart pounded, but his breathing remained steady as he pressed himself against the cave wall, the egg still secure in his arms.
As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, something caught his attention.
Sitting cross-legged in the center of the cave was a young woman, her body radiating a soft glow. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her back, and her skin was smooth and flawless, almost like porcelain. Her robes, a pale blue, hugged her slender frame, and her beauty was otherworldly—delicate yet powerful.
Xian Di's breath caught in his throat as he gazed at her, momentarily mesmerized by her presence. She was meditating, her breathing calm and steady, but the aura around her suggested she was no ordinary cultivator.
Then, without warning, her eyes snapped open, locking onto Xian Di with an intensity that sent a jolt of shock through him.