After extricating himself, Peng Gengkun finally got a clear view of the python. It was a massive green serpent, and while he couldn't identify the specific type of mutated beast it was, its ferocity was unmistakable.
At that moment, many of its scales were shattered, and its body bore numerous wounds, presenting a pitiful sight. Yet, it was not dead, its eyes glinting with a dangerous light. Flicking its tongue, it fixed its gaze on Peng Gengkun, its body writhing as if poised to strike at any second.
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Peng Gengkun clenched his jaw and produced two more Spirit Stones, crushing them instantly.
The Spiritual Energy from the stones flooded into his body, replenishing his depleted reserves.
"This is costing me a fortune! If this python isn't worth three Spirit Stones, then I'm taking a huge loss!"
Peng Gengkun grumbled to himself before steadying his mind and channeling his Astral Energy.
If the python tried to bite, he was ready with the Vajra Worshipping Moon technique.
The Vajra Subduing Devil was the second, more powerful move, but Peng Gengkun lacked the strength to execute it and had to resort to Vajra Worshipping Moon.
Sensing the threat of Peng Gengkun's attack, the python lunged, emitting a faint green breath from its mouth.
"You're no ordinary mutated beast, having harnessed the power of Demonic Qi! If you evolve, you'll become a demonic beast!"
The sight of the green aura took Peng Gengkun aback.
Mutated beasts typically lacked sentience, but those with innate gifts could accidentally master Demonic Qi. This would grant them intelligence and the potential to become demonic beasts.
Peng Gengkun had even heard tales of formidable demonic beasts that could fully transform into human shape, blending seamlessly into society, indistinguishable from ordinary people. Only those with advanced cultivation could penetrate their disguises.
"Fortunately, you're not yet fully developed, not quite a demonic beast! So, it's time for you to die!"
A fierce grimace spread across Peng Gengkun's face as he unleashed the Vajra Worshipping Moon with ferocity.
Their attacks clashed, and in an instant, the outcome was clear.
Peng Gengkun stumbled back several steps, his meridians and internal organs damaged.
But the python lay on the ground, gasping for life. Its head was a gruesome sight, flesh and blood flayed away—it seemed on the brink of death.
"You're incredibly strong. If mutated beasts had rankings, you'd likely be at the High Rank of Qi Refining, just like me! Plus, mutated beasts are physically superior to humans, so you're definitely more formidable! If not for the Vajra Subduing Devil technique I used earlier, you wouldn't be dying!"
Peng Gengkun exhaled deeply, a trace of fear lingering.
Still, the rewards for slaying the python were substantial.
Despite the creature's grim demise, it was certainly valuable.
Without hesitation, Peng Gengkun attempted to store it in the Leviathan-roc Space, only to find it was at capacity.
"It looks like I can only take part of your body and these evolution points."
With a gesture, Peng Gengkun absorbed the white sphere from the python's body, and his Growth Value surged by three points.
He was elated at first, but then a wave of resignation hit him.
"If every mutated beast encounter is this perilous, I'd better proceed with caution! I'm not keen on dying."
Peng Gengkun managed to fit half of the python into the Leviathan-roc Space before heading deeper into the cave.
Guided by the baby Leviathan's senses, Peng Gengkun had detected numerous treasures brimming with Spiritual Energy within. With the python dispatched, it was the perfect opportunity to explore.
Torch in hand, Peng Gengkun ventured further into the cave. Upon seeing the Spiritual Energy treasures, his eyes went wide with astonishment.
"Flying Shadow Grass! My luck is incredible!"
Frantically, Peng Gengkun retrieved a jade token from his space, scanning the area. His assessment confirmed—the herbs before him were indeed the highly coveted Flying Shadow Grass!
Peng Gengkun had been scouring the land for the elusive Flying Shadow Grass for over ten days with no luck. Imagine his astonishment when he stumbled upon it right here!
"It's incredible! I never imagined I'd actually be able to complete the mission!"
Peng Gengkun couldn't contain his excitement and reached out to grab the Flying Shadow Grass. But the moment his palm brushed against it, the grass vanished into thin air.
He was utterly flabbergasted.
What was happening? Could the Flying Shadow Grass actually move?
Peng Gengkun repeatedly tried to grasp the grass, but despite his efforts, every last one disappeared before he could pick them.
Now, Peng Gengkun was truly at a loss. He had been so sure he could finish his mission, yet he couldn't even lay a finger on the Flying Shadow Grass!
He was torn with frustration.
"There has to be a reason the Flying Shadow Grass vanished—it can't just disappear without cause!" Resolute, Peng Gengkun turned his attention inward and to his shock, discovered the baby Leviathan inside him gobbling up the Flying Shadow Grass.
The sight nearly drove him to the brink of rage.
"All that effort to find the Flying Shadow Grass, and you've devoured it all! How am I supposed to complete my mission now?"
Feeling utterly helpless, Peng Gengkun had no choice but to silently witness the baby Leviathan's feast.
At least the Flying Shadow Grass wasn't wasted. Though the baby Leviathan had consumed a considerable amount, Peng Gengkun's Growth Value had seen a slight increase.
However, since the Flying Shadow Grass was merely a plant imbued with Spiritual Energy and not an animal, it didn't grant Peng Gengkun any evolution points.
Later, Peng Gengkun realized that the baby Leviathan had only eaten part of the Flying Shadow Grass. The roots remained intact, yet they were of no use to him.
Peng Gengkun was so irate he felt like giving the baby Leviathan a good thrashing.
Eventually, the baby Leviathan polished off the entire Flying Shadow Grass.
But what surprised Peng Gengkun even more was that the baby Leviathan actually regurgitated the roots of the Flying Shadow Grass.
In an instant, Peng Gengkun noticed a new herb in his grasp. It wasn't Flying Shadow Grass, yet it bore a striking resemblance to it. As he examined the plant, a certain possibility dawned on him.