Chapter 29 - Blood Hunter
The battle under the waterfall was fierce.
Two people were injured in a single attack by the giant python. If it hadn't been for Sister Xiuqin blinding one of its eyes, the situation would have been even worse.
Upon arriving at the waterfall, Yang Xie relayed the message to Yang Yi and the others. Fortunately, the hunting range they were assigned was also on their path.
The giant python, with one eye blinded, became even more enraged. The water in the pool splashed violently onto the shore as it writhed.
Sister Xiuqin was still aiming at its other eye with her sniper rifle, but the python was shaking violently, making it difficult to aim accurately.
This giant python was clearly stronger than a second-level intermediate beast. It seemed to possess the strength of a second-level top-tier or even a third-tier creature.
This venture had proven to be reckless, but such encounters were common for warriors in the wild.
Although Sister Xiuqin had kept up suppressive fire, the blinded giant python was on high alert. It had retreated into the pool, but instead of charging at close range, it opened its gaping, bloody mouth and began gathering water inside.
The python released a massive water ball aimed directly at Sister Xiuqin. Its vengeful nature was evident as it targeted her.
Fortunately, the charging time for the attack was brief. Sister Xiuqin managed to duck behind a boulder just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.
The boulder was shattered by the impact of the water bomb. While Sister Xiuqin had taken cover behind it, she was still injured by the falling rubble.
Blood trickled from her wounds.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The giant python continued to launch water bombs one after another, forcing Sister Xiuqin to flee in all directions, clearly struggling.
Seeing Sister Xiuqin in danger, Yang Xie quickly racked his brain for a solution.
However, with half of the giant python submerged in the water, even if Yang Xie teamed up with Yang Yi and the others, their combined strength wouldn't be enough to defeat it. Entering the water would only put them at an even greater disadvantage.
For now, their only option was to throw grenades at the python's head, hoping to cause some disruption.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
It seemed that one of the explosions had struck the python's eyes, causing it to cry out in pain before plunging back into the water.
Seeing this, Yang Xie quickly rushed to Sister Xiuqin and carried her to a safer distance.
Her clothes were torn by the debris, revealing a glimpse of her skin, blood mixing with the dust.
Yang Xie, however, had no time to pay attention to that. He was focused only on getting her to safety.
"Xiao Yang Xie, thank you."
Sister Xiuqin, still in his arms, managed a grateful smile despite her injuries.
"It's nothing. I couldn't do much else."
After reaching a safe spot near where Sister Lan was tending to Nangong Wei, Nangong Qing, and Sister Xiuqin—who were all severely injured and had lost most of their fighting capabilities—Yang Xie let out a sigh of relief.
Nangong Qing, still recovering, sat on the ground, fear lingering on his face. The giant python's tail had nearly crushed him, but he was beginning to feel better after receiving treatment from Nangong Lan.
"This giant python is incredibly powerful. It must be a top-tier second-level creature. We stand no chance against it."
"What should we do, Brother Qing? We finally found Tianxinglan. Are we just going to give up now?"
Nangong Gou looked at the injured and discouraged group, clearly reluctant to give up.
"I don't want to give up either, but we all see that we're outmatched," Nangong Qing replied gravely. "The giant python is in the water, and we can't fight it in its domain. As the captain, I'd rather we retreat safely than risk everyone's lives for an elixir."
His words were laced with unwillingness, but he understood the reality of the situation. Continuing the fight would only lead to further casualties.
"There's nothing more I can do. I've been holding everyone back this entire time. I didn't help much," Nangong Ya murmured, feeling the weight of the failure.
Everyone had protected her along the way, even Yang Xie who had saved others. But now, she was helpless, standing idly by while the others suffered.
Feeling ashamed, she spoke in a low voice.
"Yaya, don't be hard on yourself. We're both new warriors. It's normal that we can't handle beasts of this level yet."
Yang Xie offered her some comfort.
"But we'll grow stronger in the future. And when that happens, I'll be counting on you to protect me. You're the one with the S-level talent, after all. I'll gladly eat your soft rice."
"Ha!"
Nangong Ya was momentarily taken aback, then scoffed at him. "Who wants to protect you? Humph, my soft rice isn't for just anyone."
Yang Xie chuckled before asking, "Brother Qing, should we head back the same way now?"
Before Nangong Qing could answer, a group of people suddenly emerged from the other side of the waterfall.
"Nangong Qing, what's with the disgrace? This isn't like your usual self. Do you want my brother Hu to come help you?"
A short, sly-looking dwarf laughed, his words dripping with mockery.
Accompanying him were four fierce-looking men, one of whom had a scar on his face and seemed to be the leader of the group. His eyes lingered on Nangong Ya, Nangong Xiuqin, and Nangong Lan with lustful intent.
"You Nangong family sure has plenty of beauties, but it's a shame we have to take them today."
Seeing these five men, Nangong Qing's expression changed drastically. He clearly recognized them.
"Xie Shu, Xie Hu, what do you want?"
Xie Shu sneered, "I don't want anything. I just want to enjoy beating you and your crew."
"Heh heh."
Nangong Xiuqin's face darkened as well, recognizing the danger. Xie Shu and his brother, Xie Hu, were notorious blood hunters—rogues who specialized in hunting down other warrior teams and hunting down women to exploit them.
They had once been placed on the Warrior Association's blacklist, with bounties placed on their heads.
"They're blood hunters. We're in deep trouble now," Nangong Xiuqin hissed through gritted teeth, her expression filled with both fear and anger.
Xie Hu smiled wickedly, "Don't look at us like that, beautiful. I'll treat you well later."