"Wan Ci, this sage art… it's way too tricky!"
The White Snake Sage warned Wan Ci with a worried expression.
By now, the White Snake Sage and Wan Ci had grown familiar with each other.
Wan Ci had also learned the truth this young White Snake was none other than the future White Snake Sage.
At this stage, she was still a girl, far from the elderly woman she would one day become.
It was almost impossible to imagine that this radiant young girl would transform into the formidable old sage of later years.
"White Snake, I never fear cultivating sage arts! Let's do another set!"
Wan Ci sat cross-legged, his voice calm yet resolute.
Seeing his determination, the White Snake nodded. "Wan Ci, don't worry. I'll assist you from the side. If anything goes wrong, I'll immediately intervene."
"Much appreciated."
Wan Ci gave a slight nod.
With that, the White Snake opened her mouth wide, sinking her fangs gently into Wan Ci's neck, channeling natural energy to guide him.
And so, Wan Ci officially began practicing the sage arts.
In just three short hours, the aura of Ryuchi Cave sage arts began to radiate from him.
"You… you've already mastered it?!"
The White Snake Sage's pupils shrank in shock, her heart racing.
She had never seen a human capable of cultivating Ryuchi Cave's sage arts. And now, to witness someone grasp them so swiftly was unprecedented.
"Hmph, this power… merely the beginning."
Wan Ci thought to himself, a faint smile curving his lips as he felt the appearance of the sage pattern on his face.
Unlike Kabuto, who manifested scales and partial snake transformation, Wan Ci had avoided such flaws.
According to established rules, the more pronounced the physical traits, the weaker the mastery of the sage art.
Take Jiraiya, for example. He never fully achieved complete sage mode, which led to severe frog-like transformations.
Naruto, Hashirama, and Kabuto managed better, typically showing only the sage markings on their faces.
Wan Ci, however, surpassed them all.
Not only had he mastered Mount Myoboku's arts, but also those of Ryuchi Cave.
"This child… such terrifying talent. What kind of prodigy did that White-Eyebrow toad manage to find?"
The Black Serpent Sage murmured in astonishment as he observed Wan Ci's cultivation through a water mirror from afar.
While the Black Serpent Sage focused on monitoring Wan Ci, Wan Ci slowly opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of his observer across space.
"He can sense me watching him?!"
The Black Serpent Sage's heart skipped a beat, realizing the depth of Wan Ci's perception.
"So strong… perhaps this one really could deal with that alien woman outside," he thought.
About a month later, Wan Ci had fully mastered and become proficient in Ryuchi Cave sage arts.
The only drawback was that he had not yet fused Ryuchi Cave's arts with those of Mount Myoboku or the Ape Clan.
Activating one would suppress the other.
Once Ryuchi Cave's arts were active, Mount Myoboku's could not be used, and vice versa.
It was a problem.
These two powers were like two tigers vying for the same mountain.
Fortunately, Wan Ci's control was strong, or else the two forces would have clashed long ago.
"Leaving already? Don't you want to stay a little longer?"
"Wan Ci? If you leave, I'll have no one to talk to…"
The White Snake clung to his arm, looking pitiful.
"No, White Snake. Fate will allow us to meet again."
Wan Ci smiled faintly and slowly withdrew his arm.
Watching the White Snake look at him with tender eyes, he thought silently, "Could this young White Snake be developing feelings for me?"
Over the past month, she had often sought him out to converse. Perhaps because Ryuchi Cave was a haven of snakes, the White Snake's emotions toward him had subtly changed.
"Alright… if you ever wish to return, you must come see me," she said, a trace of disappointment flashing in her eyes.
"Sure."
Wan Ci smiled faintly and then made his way to the main hall of Ryuchi Cave.
The idea of the future White Snake Sage liking him seemed absurd.
Though women were often likened to fine wine, improving with age, dealing with snakes… let's just say Xu Xian might have had something to say about that.
Well, if the future White Snake Sage grew too old, Wan Ci might have to take some measures to manage Ryuchi Cave.
After all, an elder in the household is a treasure.
"Wan Ci, your talent is unparalleled, both historically and perhaps for the future as well," the Black Serpent Sage admired him. Then he added, "Do you wish to enhance your progress further by forming a summoning contract with a snake from Ryuchi Cave?"
"If the master allows it…"
Wan Ci understood the implication. The Black Serpent Sage intended to bind him to Ryuchi Cave.
Since he was already learning the arts, there was no reason to refuse.
"Wan Ci! Pick me! Pick me!"
Before he could speak, the White Snake eagerly raised her hand.
Looking at the girl wishing to form a contract with him, Wan Ci sighed internally.
"Sheesh… alright."
At present, the only notable resident of Ryuchi Cave was this young White Snake.
Other figures, like Xin Ya, Qing Snake, or the Three Great Snake Maidens, had yet to be born.
"Is this acceptable?"
Wan Ci glanced at the Black Serpent Sage, seeking confirmation. After all, he was about to sign a contract with the future master of Ryuchi Cave.
The Black Serpent Sage paused, thinking briefly, and then nodded. "Yes."
"Wonderful! Wan Ci, if you ever need me, you can summon me. Even if you don't, summon me to chat. I get bored alone in Ryuchi Cave."
The White Snake said playfully.
Wan Ci couldn't help but think to himself he had just signed a contract with the future White Snake Sage of Ryuchi Cave.
"One more thing, may I ask the location of Shigu Forest?"
Wan Ci inquired.
The Black Serpent Sage frowned slightly. "Why do you wish to know?"
"I want to learn the sage arts of Shigu Forest."
Wan Ci answered plainly, without hiding his intentions.
"What?! Wan Ci, you want to learn Shigu Forest's sage arts too?"
The White Snake's eyes widened in astonishment.
The Black Serpent Sage's gaze flickered strangely at Wan Ci. "You've already mastered Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, and the Ape Clan arts. That alone would make you invincible. There is no need to pursue Shigu Forest's arts."
Wan Ci shook his head. "The enemies outside are too powerful. It's better to be extra cautious."
The Black Serpent Sage nodded silently. "With such talent, it would be a pity not to pursue it."
He handed Wan Ci a scroll.
"This marks the location of Shigu Forest. Unlike Mount Myoboku or Ryuchi Cave, Shigu Forest has only one sage… the Slug Sage."