[System Notification]
[Target Eliminated: Azure-Scaled Giant Python]
[Energy Gained: +2000]
[System Notification]
[Total Energy Reached: 10000]
[Upgrade Condition Met]
[System Notification]
[Fusion Complete]
[Golden Silkworm Gu has advanced to Level 4]
A surge of power flooded into Xu Lang's body.
With the upgrade of the Golden Silkworm Gu, his physical attributes were enhanced once again.
At this moment—
Xu Lang could clearly feel it—
His strength had surpassed that of an ordinary human.
At the same time—
Upon reaching Level 4, the Golden Silkworm Gu granted a new ability.
Gu Bewitchment.
Gu techniques were not limited to poison.
They carried countless strange and sinister applications.
For example—
In Miao疆, some women would plant Love Gu into their lovers.
Ensuring absolute loyalty.
Those who strayed—
Did not survive.
There were also:
Yin Snake Gu, Cat Spirit Gu, Living Soul Gu, Stone Gu…
Beyond causing sickness and death—
The most terrifying aspect of Gu arts—
Was control.
The very phrase "bewitching the mind" originated from ancient Gu techniques.
During the Han Dynasty—especially in the era of Emperor Wu—
Gu sorcery had even infiltrated the imperial palace.
And now—
This skill—
Gu Bewitchment—
Was precisely that power.
A method of influencing and controlling the human mind.
Through the Golden Silkworm Gu, Xu Lang could temporarily control a person's consciousness.
The duration and depth of control—
Depended on the difference in mental strength between Xu Lang and the target.
In other words—
Against the weak-minded—
He could control them easily, for long periods.
Against strong-willed individuals—
He could only exert brief influence, or at most partial control.
Even so—
This ability was utterly overpowered.
And beyond controlling others—
Anyone who possessed Gu Bewitchment would naturally be immune to:
Illusions
Mental interference
Spiritual possession
Whether it was ghosts, spirits, or demonic influence—
None could invade.
With the Golden Silkworm Gu in his body—
Nothing sinister could take hold.
Xu Lang was extremely satisfied.
Level 4's skill—
Was worth every bit of effort he had spent gathering energy.
He couldn't help but wonder—
What kind of ability would come at Level 5?
But—
Level 4 already required 10,000 energy.
Level 5…
Would likely demand 100,000.
At this rate—
It would be a long road ahead.
After reviewing the system rewards, Xu Lang snapped back to reality.
His gaze met Shirley Yang's.
He flashed a bright, harmless smile.
Shirley Yang, however, seemed slightly embarrassed and looked away.
At that moment—
A sharp, metallic scraping sound echoed in the distance.
Xu Lang's expression changed instantly.
He turned—
Just in time to see Wang Pangzi and Hu Ba Yi steering the raft toward the python's body.
"Don't go over there! It's dangerous!"
Xu Lang's hair stood on end as he shouted.
Hu Ba Yi and Wang Pangzi froze.
"Lord Lang, what are you afraid of? That python's gone already. I'm telling you, snake meat tastes great—and that skin—"
Before Wang Pangzi could finish—
Xu Lang shouted again:
"There's danger underwater! Move away—now!"
Without hesitation—
Xu Lang activated his newly acquired skill—
Gu Bewitchment.
In the next instant—
Wang Pangzi stopped resisting entirely.
He drove the bamboo pole into the water and began pushing the raft downstream with all his strength.
Hu Ba Yi was stunned.
He trusted Xu Lang—
But he had expected resistance from Wang Pangzi.
With Fatty's personality, persuasion alone wouldn't have worked.
Yet now—
Wang Pangzi was acting like a soldier obeying a command—
Without the slightest hesitation.
Hu Ba Yi reacted a beat late—
But quickly followed suit.
The two men pushed the raft forward with all their might.
Xu Lang and Shirley Yang grabbed their entrenching tools—
Using them as paddles—
Rowing furiously.
The metallic scraping sound grew closer.
Now—
Everyone on the raft could hear it clearly.
"What is that sound?" Hu Ba Yi muttered.
Behind them—
Where the python's body floated—
The water suddenly surged violently.
A thick, unpleasant smell spread through the air.
Something beneath the surface churned rapidly.
The python's body—
Was quickly being worn down.
In less than ten minutes—
The massive serpent—
Once as imposing as a dragon—
Had been completely reduced.
All that remained—
Was a clean, white skeleton.
The water was filled with scattered remains.
The entire cave was thick with a heavy, unpleasant smell.
Hu Ba Yi, Shirley Yang, and Wang Pangzi stared in shock.
"What… the hell is that?" Wang Pangzi muttered, face pale, sweat dripping down his forehead.
The others were no better—
Wiping sweat in silence.
It was obvious—
If Xu Lang hadn't warned them in time—
If they hadn't fled with everything they had—
Then right now—
They would be the ones reduced to bones at the bottom of the river.
Xu Lang stared at the churning water behind them, his expression grim.
Then he spoke—
Slowly.
"Blade-Toothed Viper Fish."