Stealthily following the mountain stream path, they reached deep into the Yu Forest. From afar, the group could see the old elm tree and found the monster blocking their way.

There was only one spotted giant python, several dozen meters long, with a head as large as a cow's. Its body was as thick as a barrel, and its back was as wide as a Chidao. Besides the ominous, human-like patterns on its terrifying body, there were numerous sword scars and burns, bloody and fresh. Clearly, it had been severely injured not long ago. Moreover, two huge holes on its head revealed that its eyes had been stabbed blind.

At this moment, the Python Spirit was spewing black mist and demon smoke from its mouth, covering the forest tightly as if a black veil was hanging overhead, obscuring the sun, moon, and stars. Meanwhile, it wound its body tightly around the great elm tree, rubbing against the bark. Its scales scraped the bark and branches to dust, squeezing the tree's sap to rub over its body, evidently using the elm's spiritual juice medicinal liquid to heal and relieve pain.

The village chief gave a signal, and everyone silenced their breathing, bending low among the trees to deliberate.

"It seems this Python Spirit is here for treatment, considering all the fresh wounds and unhealed scars. It must have been recently beaten."

"Indeed, a few days ago to the east, there were thunder and lightning, brilliant and colorful. Many Mountain Men were fighting with magic in the sky; perhaps this demon was caught in that disaster."

"Looks like it's just healing and has no intention to conflict with us, maybe we should..."

"Don't be foolish! What do demons ever bring except trouble? Once healed and hungry, would you invite it to feast in the village?"

"That's right, the Mountain Men are in seclusion, and guarding the mountains and forests is our duty. How can we let this demon defile the mountain's treasures?

Besides, if Yu Lin is gone, what use is Yuqian Village?"

"Its eyes are blind... seize its illness to take its life!"

"Yes! It's so big; maybe it has formed a Demon Core! Its whole body is a treasure!"

"Good! Pull out its tendons! Flay its skin! Divide its meat!"

The villagers reached a consensus in a few words and then all looked to Huangfu Yi.

Huangfu Yi surveyed the terrain and thought for a while,

"This demon beast is too massive, its scales thick and bones solid, and its power is immense. Even injured and blind, it's not something ordinary people can handle.

Why not split into two teams, using crossbows to target its wounds, harassing with spears so its head and tail can't coordinate, exhausting its energy.

I will seize the opportunity, strike with my sword at its vital point, and then we can slay it."

It was indeed a clever idea, and the village chief hesitated to suggest,

"Young Hero, you're injured, why not let me..."

"No need, my Cultivation is the highest, and my treasure sword the sharpest. It's my duty."

Huangfu Yi swept his gaze over the crowd, eyes burning,

"We were born into chaotic times, our fates are not our own. This alliance to exterminate the demon carries equal risks for everyone.

Please, do your best!"

The villagers nodded solemnly, folding their fists together, and then, silently under the chief's lead, split into two groups, flanking from head and tail.

Huangfu Yi crouched alone in the grass, eyes fixed on the Reverse Scale at the snake spirit's vital point, "Hiss—huff—", slowly adjusting his breathing, relaxing his muscles, gradually initiating the Gang Fist, seeking the route for the upcoming assault.

With the Sky Soaring Treasure Sword in hand and the backing of the Eighteen Layers of Gang Fist, slaying this monster shouldn't be too challenging. As long as he aimed for the weak point, wielding the Yao Guang Dragon Slaying Technique, one clean slice would sever the spine...

"Why bother."

Suddenly, a voice came from behind his neck, close at hand, echoing as if out of nowhere, striking at Huangfu Yi's heart, startling him almost to leap up like a startled cat.

It's said 'almost' because, at that instant, Huangfu Yi found himself unable to move.

Even though Huangfu Yi instinctively reacted, wanting to spring up and slash back with the flying sword, he couldn't. His entire body's muscles were dead rigid, utterly unresponsive, as if every part was in extreme fear, refusing his brain's commands.

Yet within a breath, Huangfu Yi snapped back to reality.

No, this wasn't like the terror he had personally experienced before, where even breathing was impossible, and thinking couldn't continue.

At least he could still breathe, still think, far from the point of abandoning the thought of survival and awaiting demise. So it must be some kind of force, spell, or curse temporarily blocking his brain's command to his body, immobilizing his muscles.

But sword energy cannot be held!

Yingxiang, Heavenly Cauldron, Huge Bone, Shoulder Yu, Arm Nao, Quichi, Shangyang!

Sword Break!

"Buzz!"

A rush of golden light! The Sky Soaring Treasure Sword resonated!

Lifelong power converged, Yangming pierced through the Yangming Meridian of the right arm, momentarily reclaiming control of the right arm!

And with the sword spine sideways, the mirror-bright blade reflected, immediately revealing the looming ghost figure standing behind Huangfu Yi, shaped like it was shrouded in black veils, enveloped in smoky Demon Wind!

"Is it from Nine Yin Mountain…"

The ghostly figure seemed to sense the youth's gaze, slowly turning its head, eyes glowing with a radiant red, meeting Huangfu Yi's across the bright sword blade.

"They are protected by Mountain Men, blessed for generations, peaceful for a century, destined for this calamity. Why must you meddle…"

"Zha!"

Huangfu Yi could not speak, only roared with anger, channeling True Qi, forcefully filling all his meridians, striving to regain control of his body, slowly standing up, swinging his sword fiercely backwards, a flash of gold slashing through!

"Whoom!"

However, the sword cut through empty air, raising a whirlwind, with nothing behind but dense fog, quickly engulfing Huangfu Yi in a mist so thick he couldn't see his hand outstretched, making it impossible to discern the giant python or even the surrounding elms.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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