The twin-headed python didn't give Prince Nolan and his group a moment to think, nor did it bother with any sort of standoff. The instant it drew close, it lunged at them, jaws wide open, looking fierce enough to swallow everyone whole.
And the first target it attacked was Serena.
You had to admit, this python really was cunning—always picking the weakest prey. Between Prince Nolan and Serena, it didn't hesitate for a second before lunging straight at Serena.
As someone with zero combat ability, the only thing Serena could do was stay calm and keep backing away—making sure not to cause extra trouble for Prince Nolan.
"Protect Miss Feng!" The dark guards rushed forward, but Dorian's Master was even faster. He snatched the sword right out of Dorian's hands and struck at the giant python.
"Master, that's my sword! If you take my sword, what am I supposed to do?" Dorian wailed.
Boohoo, Master only cares about looking cool and never brings his own sword—he just steals from his disciple. So unfair.
"You can use hidden weapons." Dorian's Master replied coldly. His first strike missed, but he swung again without hesitation.
Serena and the Valley Master had already retreated to safety, with Zed following right behind them. As for Zed, Serena and the others simply ignored him—not that it would hurt him any.
"I don't want to use hidden weapons! Zuo An says using hidden weapons is the act of a petty villain!" Dorian declared righteously. But the giant python didn't care about his moral high ground—its tail whipped around, and with a gust of wind, Dorian's face was splattered with blood.
"You want to play dirty? Then don’t blame me for using hidden weapons!" Dorian was truly angry this time—his pretty, delicate face was a picture of outrage.
You never hit the face— even Zuo An wouldn’t hit his face when sparring with him. This giant python was done for.
Dorian unleashed his fury, whipping off his belt in a flash and snapping it open—revealing a whole row of hidden weapons gleaming blindingly in the sunlight.
"What is that? It’s so blinding!"
The glint off those hidden weapons was so fierce that no one could keep their eyes open—even the Two-Headed Python was affected, squinting and shaking its head.
Taking advantage of the moment, Prince Nolan leaped into the air. In the next instant, he landed squarely on top of the giant python’s head.
“Amazing!” The Valley Master’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
He’d always known Prince Nolan’s martial arts were top-notch—how else could he have defeated so many orthodox disciples and become the number one in the Jianghu?
But the Valley Master had never seen Prince Nolan go all out before, and usually there was no one to compare him to. Today, with Dorian’s master as a reference, the Valley Master realized that Prince Nolan was every bit the equal of those legendary old monsters.
“Hissss…” Prince Nolan’s move enraged the giant python. It thrashed madly, whipping its tail in an attempt to sweep up the dark guards and others. The head under Prince Nolan’s feet dropped low, while the other head reared up, jaws wide, lunging for him.
Prince Nolan had been waiting for this exact moment. As the other python head lunged for him, he gripped his sword in both hands and focused his energy.
Swish—! A flash of sword light, then a thunderous crash echoed through the cavern.
When everyone snapped out of their shock, the Two-Headed Python had become a One-Headed Python—the severed head had flown a hundred meters away, its jaws still gaping.
Strike while the iron’s hot! Dorian saw his chance and immediately fired his hidden weapons at the python. Every one of Dorian’s tools was custom-made by Zuo An—even the thickest serpent hide couldn’t stop them.
"That’s terrifying." The Valley Master stared at the wound—no blood at all—and his heart pounded wildly.
That severed head had just flown right over him. The gaping mouth made the Valley Master wonder if it would swallow him whole.
"Your poison works wonders," Prince Nolan said. With that sword strike, not a drop of blood spurted out—the cut flesh was pale, and the blood had turned a deep black-purple. The toxin’s speed was clear to see.
Serena’s praise made the Valley Master forget the close call. Grinning with pride, he explained, "Of course! This poison is designed specifically for beasts. The more that serpent struggles, the faster the toxin spreads—not only does it kill, it saps all its strength. See? Isn’t that python limp as a noodle now?"
"Exactly." Under the combined assault of Prince Nolan and Dorian’s master, the python had no strength left to fight. Even its once powerful tail was now limp, unable to stir up any trouble.
"If you offend anyone, don’t offend a doctor." The saying was true—Serena nodded emphatically, still shaken.
With experts like the Valley Master and Dr. Marcus Guile, Serena always preferred to stay on good terms—she’d avoid offending them if at all possible. She had no desire to spend her life worrying that even a single breath might be poisoned.
Prince Nolan had severed one of the python’s heads, while Dorian’s master had cut off its tail. Under the combined assault of two top experts, the python quickly lost all its former majesty—its massive head drooped limply, and if not for its thick hide, it would’ve been dead already.
Zed’s eyes turned red as he watched, his small fists clenched tight. As the python breathed its last, tears slid down Zed’s cheeks, making his gaze even brighter and clearer—like crystal.
Serena glanced at Zed and saw his numb expression—no hatred in his eyes, just something she couldn’t quite name.
He must have accepted his fate by now.
What could a child like him possibly do against these adults?
It wasn’t that Prince Nolan was cruel and insisted on killing the serpent—if they showed any mercy, it would be their group who died. No one could let everyone perish just to spare a snake.
After the python died, Prince Nolan didn’t rush to leave. Instead, he stood with his sword and projected his voice with internal energy: "Your sect’s hospitality has truly opened my eyes. As a return gift, I now ‘return’ your sacred beast to you."
"Are the Demon Sect remnants really hiding here?" Dorian was thrilled. "Doesn’t this mean I’ve made a huge contribution?"
"Sometimes being a fool has its perks." The Valley Master could only shake his head at Dorian.
Heh heh~~ Dorian played along with a goofy grin, but halfway through his laugh, he froze—because…
A sudden gust of wind swept toward them. Looking up, they saw a vast, dark mass overhead. As it drew closer…
"Crows? Where did all these crows come from?" Without hesitation, Dorian reached for his hidden weapons, ready to strike—only for Prince Nolan to stop him: "Don’t move."
This flock of crows was nothing like the python. The python was just one creature—kill it and it was over. But these crows numbered in the thousands; if they provoked an attack, things would get ugly fast.
"Fine, I won’t move. But what if they come after me?" Dorian stared at the tightly packed crows, his legs shaking and his scalp tingling.
Thousands upon thousands of crows packed together—terrifying, right?
Absolutely.
Of everyone present, only Prince Nolan and Zed kept their composure—the rest had twisted faces and tingling scalps. No one could possibly like such a monstrous flock.
It’s not that crows are scary—it’s that too many crows create a truly chilling atmosphere.
And the real horror was just beginning. As everyone was getting used to the crow swarm, a face suddenly appeared among them, glaring viciously at the group…
Huh… Everyone but Prince Nolan instinctively stepped back.
Pretty scary, isn’t it?