Chapter 663

Chapter 663: The Black Giant Python

"What happened?" Golden Ling’er stared at the glowing pink fragment in her hand. She curiously poked it, watching the light persist as she lifted it closer. When the fragment neared her left side, the pink glow intensified. The girl froze momentarily before breaking into a delighted grin.

"See? I told you this thing was useful! Do you believe me now?" Golden Ling’er crowed triumphantly, pressing the fragment to her chest while laughing.

Jin An covered his face as though disowning her, while Ye Yun studied the fragment’s irregular marks resembling claw imprints.

"Am I imagining things? No—these aren’t fractures from impact. That white line… it’s a claw mark, isn’t it?"

Ye Yun mentally shouted, "Ancestor! Are you paying attention?"

"I’ve been examining the girl’s fragment. You’re right about the claw marks, but they’re not from an animal. Still far too naive," the Ancestor of the Sword Path chuckled at Ye Yun’s confusion. "The world holds endless mysteries beyond your limited experience."

"Then it must be an aggressive plant," Ye Yun ventured cautiously.

"Correct. I encountered its kin long ago in the sea depths—the Nine-Tailed variant. Nearly lost my life while toying with it. This Four-Tailed specimen here…" The Ancestor scrutinized the fragment again. "Though inferior to its nine-tailed cousin, it matches a Seventh Level Nascent Soul expert."

"Likely one wielding two premium Immortal artifacts," the Ancestor added with a grin. "Confident you can handle it?"

Ye Yun frowned. "Why describe plants like beasts? Does its innate quality rival supreme Immortal artifacts?"

"Precisely. Tigers cultivate claws and fangs—their natural weapons. Similarly, this Four-Tailed Flower’s essence causes frenzied arrogance in those who consume it, forcing them to secrete madness-inducing fluids."

The Ancestor’s tone turned grave. "Enhanced strength, sorcery, stamina—all come at the cost of sanity. But first, why would such treasure appear here? Could it be this place’s guardian spirit?"

"Possibly. Underestimating it means facing relentless attacks. If overwhelmed, flee immediately."

"You’d abandon me if things go wrong?" Ye Yun smirked. "I never considered retreat since learning of this prize."

The Ancestor snorted. "Its weakness lies in a water-blue blossom within its maw. Strike hard near water sources until it sprays venom, then seize the flower. But beware—that venom melts anything below supreme Immortal artifact grade. Unavoidable once released."

Ye Yun nodded grimly. "And soul suppression?"

"My current soul power could control it… if strengthened by something like Nine-Dragon Heartbroken Grass. Without, forcing it risks destroying the flower’s essence."

"Then we’ll rely on Ice and Fire Spirit Qi. No Thunder Qi or spatial laws this time." Ye Yun’s gaze hardened. "Intervene immediately if I falter."

"Just don’t resort to the Heart of Immortals and Demons," the Ancestor quipped as Ye Yun refocused on Golden Ling’er’s fragment.

"Ling’er, let Senior Ye inspect the fragment," Jin An urged, prying it from the pouting girl’s grasp.

"Credit me properly later!" Golden Ling’er huffed.

"You’ll pick first from any Immortal artifacts we find," Jin An promised, soothing her.

"Good! I want a mid-grade or top-quality weapon. Father’s dagger feels clumsy." She twirled the blade at her back.

"Master gave that treasure to curb your mischief," Jin An chided. "He nearly gifted you his supreme artifact before sect troubles arose."

"Why send us anyway? Other Nascent Soul disciples could’ve come," she grumbled.

"Master arranged this Xumi Treasure expedition secretly for your growth," Jin An explained patiently. "Breakthroughs here will better protect you later."

Ye Yun’s thunderous power flared as he scanned the path ahead. Lightning illuminated a murky lake where a black stone tablet protruded.

"Clear the obstacles first." Ye Yun’s Thundering Lightning struck the water, electrifying the tablet blue. A colossal shadow emerged beneath crashing waves.

Jin An gasped as hundred-zhang black python erupted forth, its vine-like limbs glowing pink like Ye Yun’s fragment. The beast’s semi-draconic form dwarfed them all.

Ye Yun bisected the tsunami with Purple Shadow Divine Sword. "One Sword would be too merciful," he coldly declared, true qi surging through the blade.

The python lunged, thousands of needle-teeth glinting. Ye Yun met its murderous gaze unflinching. "Born as a Sword!"

The beast faltered mid-strike, primal instincts sensing imminent annihilation.