Boom!
Rocks flew, a massive peak collapsed, and with a deafening roar, half the mountain exploded in an instant. A massive black python, hundreds of feet long, shot out with all its might.
Its scarlet eyes stared directly at Chen Guan, neither fear nor contempt in them, only the most primal, bloodthirsty light.
This ancient Sky Demon Python was covered in black scales, and above these scales swirled a thick layer of black mist. The python's head was truly terrifying, for it wasn't an ordinary snake face. From a distance, it resembled a hideous, distorted, gigantic human face, giving people a chilling feeling.
However, compared to the Taixu Ancient Dragon's true form, which they had seen so many times before, it was much smaller and uglier...
The Ancient Sky Demon Python's sudden appearance caused dark clouds to gather in the sky, and a terrifying black energy gathered within it like lightning, its power immense. After
a moment's observation, the Ancient Sky Demon Python launched the first attack, its bloody maw opening wide and belching out streams of foul-smelling black liquid.
Chi chi chi!
Chen Guan didn't budge. The strange fire within him roared out, erecting a massive blaze ten feet in front of him to intercept the black streak. When it came into contact with the black streak, it hissed like venom. Despite the Sky Demon Python's spitting, it couldn't break through, much less threaten Chen Guan behind it. The
extremely masculine and powerful strange fire possessed an innate resistance to such attacks!
"Bang!"
As if realizing the impossibility of such an attack, the ancient Sky Demon Python ceased its spitting. Its body swung, and its massive tail launched forth again, piercing forward. Its tip was like a spearhead, its ultimate weapon.
Relying on its tough skin and flesh, the Sky Demon Python intended to withstand the strange fire's scorching heat and attack Chen Guan from behind.
However, it greatly underestimated the power of the strange fire.
Even though its tail tip successfully penetrated the blaze, it was met with a continuous crackling sound. Chunks of scales twisted and fell off, revealing flesh that was instantly charred black.
"Roar!"
A shrill roar echoed through the mountains. His self-righteous cleverness had resulted in a loss.
Its intelligence truly was far inferior to those of the demonic beasts from the outside world.
Chen Guan shook his head slightly, but he no longer waited to see what was happening. The Sky-Splitting Festival was short, and he couldn't afford to delay any longer.
With a sudden thought, a dark golden light flashed in his hand. Chen Guan activated the Dragon-Cutting Spear, a curtain of flames enveloping his entire body as he charged fiercely at the Ancient Sky Demonic Python.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Without resorting to any powerful fighting techniques, man and python engaged in a fierce battle high in the sky, repeatedly clashing with jaw-dropping ferocity. It didn't feel like a battle, more like a grappling struggle between two demonic beasts.
Even more astonishing was that despite such brutal clashes, Chen Guan, tiny as a particle, managed to gain a slight advantage each time.
"Kill!"
The intense clash made Chen Guan feel his blood boiling. His fighting spirit surged, unflinching. With a furious roar, he brandished the Dragon-Cutting Spear and charged again.
The ancient Sky Demon Python also stood firm, swaying its body to meet the attack. Though its scales shattered and blood dripped, its massive size meant these injuries were not fatal and did not affect its combat effectiveness. As
the man and the python clashed, the sky seemed like a vast ocean, surging waves of air and scattering devastation across a thousand-foot radius.
In comparison, the clash below between Yun Yun and the Tianming Sect's Grand Elder seemed child's play.
"Master Chen Guan truly is the most... unique alchemist I've ever met,"
the Youhua Sect elder murmured softly, echoing the sentiments of everyone else.
Even in combat, other alchemists wouldn't be nearly as ferocious...
The Grand Elder, however, saw things more clearly. She shook her head slightly and smiled, "You're using a butcher knife to kill a chicken. However, Young Master Chen Guan has now elevated his realm through the use of a secret technique. Any secret technique has its limitations, and it can't be sustained for long. Perhaps you'll have a chance to witness Young Master Chen Guan's alchemy skills
later." The fight continued. As time passed, just as she had predicted, Chen Guan felt the power within him begin to surge, a sign that the secret technique's duration was about to expire.
With this thought, Chen Guan's rising fighting spirit slowly subsided.
"Then... let's end it."
The Dragon-Cutting Spear dissipated, and five flames erupted from his body, transforming into five spirits that rushed in all directions, forming a perfect pentagram formation that enveloped the Ancient Sky Demon Python.
The Five-Wheel Separation Fire Technique was suddenly unleashed, and a sea of fire suddenly erupted. The terrifying heat caused some of the giant trees in the distance outside the formation to crackle and creak, their lush greenery visibly fading.
The Ancient Sky Demonic Python, trapped within the formation, seemed to sense the danger. Its massive body twisted and rammed furiously, attempting to break free with the most brutal force possible.
Alas, it failed.
Without these tactics, Chen Guan could still hold his own against it head-on. Now, employing his skills, the threat escalated exponentially.
The raging sea of fire continued to evolve, sometimes a massive millstone appeared, sometimes various magical beasts emerged, all shaped from flames. Despite the Sky Demonic Python's struggles, it could not break free, leaving it covered in wounds.
"Datian, Fortune Palm!"
Elsewhere, Chen Guan unleashed another powerful fighting technique. Beneath his massive palm, a black hole-like halo appeared above the Ancient Sky Demonic Python's head, aiming to capture it within his palm and devour it.
The immediate crisis remained unresolved, and a new danger loomed.
At this moment, the Ancient Sky Demonic Python finally sensed the threat of death. Its maw opened wide, a terrifying roar erupted, and the black energy permeating its body suddenly surged, completely enveloping its massive body.
This black energy was incredibly mysterious, like solid mud. Even the Great Heavenly Creation Palm couldn't completely disperse it.
Even so, the Ancient Sky Demonic Python suffered greatly. Most of the black energy dissipated, some being devoured, some incinerated by the sea of fire. Ultimately, only a thin layer remained clinging to the Python's body, barely concealing its form. Just as
Chen Guan was about to seize the opportunity to annihilate it, Qing Lin's voice suddenly echoed in his ears.
"Young Master, don't kill it!"
He paused, instantly understanding Qing Lin's intention.
The Ancient Sky Demonic Python was a mutant, but still a serpent-like beast, unable to escape the restraining effects of the Green Serpent's Three Flower Pupils.
Controlling it would be a significant aid,
and would also greatly benefit Qing Lin's cultivation.
Making up his mind, Chen Guan flashed and appeared above the Ancient Sky Demonic Python's head. Before the secret technique concluded, he unleashed over ten more punches.
The Ancient Sky Demon Python had previously been able to stand up to Chen Guan, but now it was struggling, unable to muster the necessary strength. Under the heavy blow, its massive body collapsed like a mountain, crashing into the valley, nearly filling it up.
Seeing this, the onlooker Qing Lin moved and appeared before the Ancient Sky Demon Python's massive tongue.
Staring at the tiny creature before him, the Sky Demon Python's fury remained undiminished. Just as it was about to unleash another fury, a pair of eerie, emerald green eyes, nearly a foot across, suddenly appeared within its field of vision.
Within those emerald eyes, three green lotuses spun rapidly. A tingling sensation, originating from the depths of its soul, softened the Sky Demon Python's tense body. The murderous intent and rage within its blood-red eyes rapidly diminished, until they completely dissipated.
"As expected of a Green Snake with Three Flower Pupils! Very impressive."
Landing beside Qinglin, Chen Guan took in the now-subdued Ancient Sky Demon Python with heartfelt admiration, unfazed.
Qinglin wiped the sweat from her forehead, her pretty face slightly pale, and she smiled sweetly.
"Young Master is truly formidable! If this Sky Demon Python hadn't been suppressed and severely weakened, I would have had little chance of controlling it unless I had reached a higher realm."
For Qinglin, simply being able to help Chen Guan was the greatest satisfaction.
He had always been so well-behaved that he never sought credit for anything.
"Boom!"
A blast echoed from a nearby location, drawing everyone's attention.
The Tianming Sect's Grand Elder finally collapsed, succumbing to Yun Yun's blow, leaving a trail of blood and flesh scattered across the ground.
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Yun Yun, the victor, couldn't hide her fatigue. Sweat streamed down her face, her long black hair was slightly disheveled, and a streak of bright red lingered at the corner of her mouth, clearly injured.
But Yun Yun didn't seem to mind. She stood still for a long moment, seemingly digesting the battle. After a long moment, she turned around, meeting the crowd's gaze with a smile that curved her brows. She seemed to have regained her spirit.
"Master Yun is so majestic,"
Chen Guan said, approaching her, taking out a pill and feeding it into her mouth, joking with a pleased smile.
Yun Yun rolled her eyes, her gesture imbued with an indescribable charm.
After swallowing the pill, the Dou Qi she had consumed quickly recharged, and her condition gradually improved.
"What should we do next?"
Someone was watching nearby, and Yun Yun, too shy to flirt with Chen Guan, changed the subject.
"Of course, we'll go collect the spoils. Qinglin, have
the Heavenly Demon Python lead the way to the Blood Pond." He casually picked up the storage ring left nearby by the Tianming Sect's Grand Elder and placed it in Yun Yun's hand. Chen Guan then turned and made arrangements.
Qinglin nodded slightly. With a thought, the ancient Sky Demon Python's massive form began to shrink, quickly transforming into a foot-long snake as it swooped toward the crumbling peak.
The group quickly followed.
Only when they reached the summit did Chen Guan realize that leading the way was unnecessary.
Looking down, he saw the Sky Demon Python's lair, once hidden within the mountains, now exposed. Bones abounded, piled high: the carcasses of numerous beasts of varying sizes, and a few humans as well. A chilling, damp aura emanated.
In the rocky center of this open-air cavern, a pool roughly ten feet wide
filled the rocky expanse. Within the pool, crimson blood filled the air. Occasionally, bubbles would rise from the pool, bursting and releasing an extremely dense energy. Floating
above the pool were also animal bones. It looked as if the brutal Sky Demon Python had thrown some ferocious beasts into it...
This was the Sky Demon Blood Pool!
Each ancient Sky Demon Python expended most of its life's energy to create this product!
"The energy within this blood pool is incredibly dense, but also incredibly violent. Recklessly absorbing it would risk bursting me."
The Little Medical Immortal reached the edge of the pool, brushing her delicate hand across its surface, a general understanding forming in her mind.
She wasn't an alchemist, but her knowledge of various pharmacological principles was considerable.
Chen Guan nodded and smiled. "Of course, we can't just absorb it like that. Wait a moment while I neutralize the blood pool, and then you'll be able to use it."
"No need to refuse. You've all contributed greatly along the way, and everyone deserves a share. Besides, this blood pool won't be of much use to me."
The Hua Sect's Grand Elder was about to refuse, but Chen Guan spoke first.
The blood pool's limited impact on him was one factor, but more importantly, he had a good impression of the Hua Sect elders. Plus, with Yun Yun's connections, he felt no remorse about sharing the profits with them.
"Since that's the case, we will accept it with honor. Thank you, Master Chen Guan,"
the Hua Sect's Grand Elder said with a smile, even changing his address.
Everyone can talk nice things, but when faced with tangible benefits, it's rare to find someone willing to share a share.
Chen Guan ignored it, smiling as he approached the blood pool, closing his eyes and taking in the experience for a moment.
Others needed to neutralize the energy, their bodies lacking strength, but Chen Guan didn't need that.
As Chen Guan entered the blood pool, the previously tranquil Heavenly Demon Blood Pool suddenly began to boil. Countless blood bubbles rose continuously, and violent energy roared frantically within the pool. A faint, strange sound, like a deep thunder, quietly echoed, then spread far and wide.
Chen Guan's experience deepened. The Qi and Blood he had just consumed by using the secret technique were restored in just over ten breaths. Raging energy flowed through his limbs, tearing and washing over his flesh. His Dou Qi also expanded rapidly, advancing toward the peak of Nine-Star Dou Zun at an astonishing rate, as if a supreme being were infusing his Dou Qi. With
a moment's experience, Chen Guan had a firm grasp of the situation.
It wasn't much different from what he'd expected. The Heavenly Demon Blood Pool's improvement on his physical body was limited, but it could provide a further boost to
his Dou Qi. Without further ado, Chen Guan settled down to his training.
Less than two hours later, he opened his eyes again, a satisfied smile on his face.
Peak Nine-Star Dou Zun!
In just two hours, he'd saved at least several months of effort.
Skyfire Venerable and the others watched from the side, their eyes filled with wonder, not envy.
Chen Guan laughed heartily, abandoning his pretentious modesty. He first collected a jade bottle of blood pool liquid and placed it beside him. Then, with a flick of his hand, rare medicinal herbs flew out of his storage ring, instantly engulfed by the ensuing flames. Soon, they were transformed into the purest, gentle medicinal liquid.
As more and more of the gentle liquid was added, the aura emanating from the Heavenly Demon Blood Pool rapidly changed, becoming less intense and pungent.
"You're all Dou Zun masters, so you should be about the same level of neutralization. Enter and cultivate. I'll protect you."
After he finished speaking, no one moved.
Finally, it was Elder Hua Pizhen who spoke up, "There's no need to waste resources. I know my situation. Even with the help of this Heavenly Demon Blood Pool, it would be difficult to advance further. Sect Master, you go ahead."
Yun Yun wanted to say something, but he smiled and shook his head, his mind resolved.
Venerable Skyfire on the other side also spoke up.
"I don't need to do that either. Leave it to the young people."
"Elder Yao..."
"Don't worry, I'm not a sentimental person. I won't be polite when I need resources. It's just that I feel this Heavenly Demon Blood Pool isn't suitable for me,"
Venerable Skyfire replied with a smile.
It was just a feeling; whether it was true or not was unknown.
But what was certain was that it was filled with girls, and he would be embarrassed to enter it...
Seeing this, Chen Guan didn't force it. Turning to Yun Yun and the others, he said, "You go ahead. Remember to focus on tempering your body, and don't blindly strive to improve your realm, as this will weaken your foundation."
They were all new to cultivation, so they all understood this principle.
Yun Yun, Little Medical Immortal, and Qinglin nodded slightly, then jumped into the blood pool first, closing their eyes and beginning to cultivate.
Several elders from the Hua Sect hesitated briefly before following suit.
Outside the Demon Blood Pond, only Chen Guan and the other two were left.
They found a flat surface to sit on and chatted while waiting.
During this time, Chen Guan kept examining the bottle of liquid from the Demon Blood Pond. Even a fool could see he was multitasking.
"I've heard of the Heavenly Demon Blood Pool before. It's a good thing, and there shouldn't be any hidden dangers." Skyfire Venerable thought Chen Guan had discovered something.
Chen Guan shook his head slightly. "That's for sure. But seeing the Heavenly Demon Blood Pool today, I suddenly had some inspiration. Perhaps I can learn from the ancient Heavenly Demon Python's method of cultivating offspring and create a better secret method to lay the foundation for Qingyan."