Word Count: 2,944 Words
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Most factions in the Eastern Region had heard tales of the Ancient Heaven Serpent ruins. Once the Strange Serpent Tribe, Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, and other major factions plunged inside, the rest followed in a rush, descending through the tunnels carved open by the bone spikes into the deeper recesses.
Yet, a small fraction of factions and rogue cultivators abandoned any thought of continuing. Massive bone spikes had burst from the earth without warning, the ground itself stained blood-red while wisps of black energy coiled ominously through the air. The unnerving sight sent chills down their spines and stirred profound unease. Consequently, many factions chose to retreat, resuming their search for spirit fruits and medicinal herbs elsewhere.
The reclusive Sound Valley, ever averse to conflict, made precisely this choice.
Still, those who could overcome their greed remained the minority.
As the local power, the Strange Serpent Tribe naturally emerged first from the serpent bone passage. When light finally greeted their eyes and they beheld what lay before them, even these centuries-old Dou Venerate experts stood utterly stunned.
"An entire hidden world exists underground!"
Patriarch She Ba Shou gaped at the boundless subterranean realm stretching endlessly before him. From their vantage point, the massive serpent tail bones resembled a ladder to heaven, climbing from the depths all the way upward as if to pierce the sky itself.
Looking down from above, the enormous serpent bones wound endlessly below, their white patterns twisting and coiling across the ground to form a complete skeleton. Black, sludge-like substances clung between the white bones.
Its size defied comprehension. It was so absurdly massive that this vast land seemed nothing more than its resting bed!
Strangest of all, the serpent appeared to have nine heads. From one broad segment of its body, nine slender bone structures branched outward like elongated necks.
"Nine heads... Could our Strange Serpent Tribe's ancestor truly be the legendary super-fierce beast, the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent?!" a man beside Patriarch She Ba Shou cried out in shock.
No wonder their tribe exhibited such peculiarities. Their ancestor had obtained essence blood from a Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent, birthing a serpent race that sprouted additional heads as they matured.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Before long, experts from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, Ten Thousand Sword Pavilion, Yellow Springs Pavilion, and other factions descended one after another.
"This is a small world! Far superior to a Space Lock; only a Dou Saint could create something like this!"
"Could those be... the bones of a Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent?!"
An expert from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe immediately recognized the serpent skeleton that blanketed the entire landscape.
"Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent?!"
"Even in the most ancient primordial era, that was the most savage variant among the Ancient Heaven Serpent Tribe! So the legends were true!" another expert from the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe exclaimed, disbelief etched across his face. He had dismissed it as mere myth, never imagining it could be real!
Strictly speaking, the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent belonged to the Ancient Heaven Serpent Tribe, yet it was a mutated subspecies. Each of its appearances had spelled catastrophe for the tribe without exception.
The Nine-Headed Heaven Serpents were born with unmatched cruelty and greed. Their bottomless appetites drove them to devour all life, even their own kin. Nothing remained in their wake; they left death and destruction behind like locusts stripping the land bare.
"Our tribal records mention one particularly powerful Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent from ancient times. Only when the Ancient Heaven Serpent Tribe allied with the Heaven Swallowing Python Tribe could they finally slay it." Jiu Xia, the commander of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, wore a grave expression.
Who could have imagined this place marked the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's final resting ground?
"Commander, regardless of what this is, obtaining vast quantities of the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's essence blood could revitalize our tribe's Ancient Heaven Serpent bloodline, perhaps even elevate it further!" a fellow tribesman urged in a low voice.
The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe's Ancient Heaven Serpent bloodline had thinned to dangerous levels. Setting aside comparisons with the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, even the ancient bloodlines of Feng Qing Er or Xiong Zhan likely surpassed theirs in purity.
With the largest population came the greatest dilution. In under a century, they might degrade into an ordinary race.
The various factions exchanged covert glances, reaching an unspoken accord within moments. No one struck immediately; instead, they all flew downward.
No treasures had surfaced yet. Fighting now would only waste precious strength.
When they landed, they were met with a landscape of bones. Countless skeletons littered the ground as far as the eye could see, most belonging to enormous magical beasts.
Human remains mingled among them, along with scattered weapons. In some places, bones formed literal mountains.
Without question, these were the remains of meals, all that lingered after the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's feasts. This small world had likely served as its lair.
"Did this Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent die of old age?"
"Unclear. Perhaps a failed breakthrough invited a heavenly tribulation. Magical beasts seeking to reach Rank 9 must weather a dire calamity; maybe this one fell attempting just that."
The sight of bones carpeting the expanse sent shivers through countless spines, dread settling deep in their hearts.
"I don't see any essence blood or Monster Core..."
"After all this time, has the essence blood completely dissipated? What a waste that would be."
Even Dou Venerates like Venerable Huang Quan and Venerable Jian began extending their senses, hunting for any trace of essence blood or a Monster Core. A Rank 9 Monster Core would bring unimaginable wealth!
A single Rank 9 Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent Monster Core could command an astronomical price. It could easily be traded for a Pill Beast or even a Tian Class Dou Technique.
"I found a Monster Core!"
Everyone whipped their heads toward the voice, only to deflate with disappointment. The finder had merely unearthed one from the remains of a lesser magical beast.
Though it had once belonged to a Rank 8 magical beast, the passage of time had eroded its energy. Now, it contained barely as much power as a Rank 7 or even a Rank 6 Monster Core.
Deciding to change tactics, several treasure hunters abandoned their search for the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's Monster Core and instead began sifting through the bone piles, hoping to find intact Monster Cores and unusual bones suitable for crafting Monster Core Weapons.
Alchemists often sourced their Monster Cores from ancient magical beast ruins just like this one. Xiao Yan himself had claimed the Monster Cores from the snake slaves under the Jade-Eyed Snake Saint for alchemy.
"Tsk tsk, so it really is a Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent. No wonder you heard nine voices, Qing Lin." High above in the void, three black-robed figures concealed themselves, overlooking everything below.
These were naturally Xiao Yan's group, the first to arrive, though they refrained from seeking treasures just yet.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, shouldn't we search too? If they find the treasures first, that would be troublesome." Qing Lin watched those below frantically digging, occasionally unearthing precious herbs and cores, and her displeasure was clear. Those treasures should all belong to her Young Master!
"No rush. Those below are more desperate than we are, and I suspect great danger still lurks here."
Both Xiao Yan and Cai Lin stared down at the enormous skeleton with somber expressions. Though this Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent appeared to have been dead for countless years, Xiao Yan was one hundred percent certain that this thing was not completely gone.
The chaotic voices Qing Lin's Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils had detected were likely from this Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's remnant soul. She had specifically mentioned hearing nine separate, cacophonous voices.
"This Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent has been dead for at least several thousand years, perhaps tens of thousands, yet it still hasn't completely perished..." Cai Lin spoke gravely.
Forget the mutated Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent subspecies, even the Ancient Heaven Serpent Tribe itself had gone extinct long ago. Their descendants, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, possessed the most diluted bloodline. The Ancient Heaven Serpents and Heaven Swallowing Pythons were likely among the earliest races to vanish entirely.
Yet remnants of this Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's soul still lingered. What terrifying life force!
"Nine Yin Blood Water!" Among the bone piles, a sect leader discovered a pool of precious liquid and exclaimed with excitement. "Quick! Take all this Nine Yin Blood Water back! This is a wonderful treasure for nurturing magical beasts. Our sect can finally raise a guardian beast!"
"A Thousand-Year Fire Head Red?!" A rogue cultivator stared incredulously at the enormous medicinal herb before him. Such an incredibly rare alchemy ingredient, simply lying on the ground! Even as he spoke, he hastily began to dig up the precious find.
"Haha, a Rank 8 Monster Core with minimal energy loss!" A sect disciple who unearthed a well-preserved Rank 8 Monster Core was so excited he couldn't help but jump for joy.
Xiao Yan and Cai Lin remained patient, though Qing Lin fumed silently. After all, they had discovered this place first!
Xiao Yan merely smiled, but his eyes silently tracked those who found valuable items while his Soul Command Token emitted unique spiritual fluctuations.
Spatial Seal!
Back in the Pill Realm, Mu Gu had used this very technique to isolate the alchemists' spatial jade slips, preventing both escape and any calls for reinforcements. Xiao Yan was now the Tenth Tianzun, his status countless times higher than Mu Gu's.
The Hall of Souls never waited for others to summon reinforcements!
This small world had existed for at least several thousand years, nourished not only by the blood and flesh of countless magical beasts but also by the death of a Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent. If Nine Snake Ridge produced abundant medicinal herbs and spirit fruits, this place would surely be even richer. The Tenth Tianzun naturally intended to claim it all!
Throughout this underground expanse, exceptional treasures lay hidden. The rogue cultivators and sect disciples who had followed grew increasingly excited, eager to excavate every inch of the earth.
Yet, while everyone reveled in their harvest, a silent danger steadily awakened.
"It's coming!" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he focused on the enormous Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent skeleton. The black substances clinging to the bones had begun to squirm and awaken!
How could such a place possibly be devoid of life?
"AHHHH!" A sudden scream pierced the air as a black insect burst from the skeletal remains, impaling a Dou King's chest.
"Zi Xuan!" his fellow sect members cried out, shocked by the sudden ambush.
The head-sized black insect instantly burrowed into the Dou King's body. The victim visibly withered, and within moments, became nothing but a desiccated corpse!
"Die!" a Dou Emperor rogue cultivator roared in horror. He drew a massive saber from his storage ring and cleaved downward. With a wet squelch, the Dou Emperor's might proved its worth. A single strike split both insect and corpse in two!
"What in the hell is that thing?!" Everyone felt their hair stand on end at the sight.
Suddenly, someone looked toward the distant, mountain-like skeleton. Were all those black substances clinging to it actually insects?
Buzz! Buzz!!
The drone of countless wings filled the air as a sky-darkening swarm of black insects surged toward the crowd like a tidal wave.
"Begone!" A Dou Ancestor expert struck out. His attack shook the land as his Di Class Dou Technique channeled the world's energy into a massive palm print that annihilated everything in its path.
The palm print crushed vast numbers of black insects in an instant. Yet these creatures proved more terrifying than anyone imagined. They seemed inexhaustible!
"Ahh!"
"Save me!"
Throughout the vast underground world, cries of joy transformed into screams of agony. The air filled with suffering as more and more people fell victim, their flesh and blood sucked dry!
"Are these parasites?" Xiao Yan watched the carnage below with a jolt of shock. He couldn't identify the black insects, but he suspected they were parasites that had survived by feeding on the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's flesh and blood after its death.
The most powerful Dou Venerates joined the battle. Venerable Jian's sword energy swept outward in devastating arcs, carving through everything in his path. No black insect dared approach where his power had passed.
Venerable Jian was not alone; Venerable Huang Quan, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe, and the Strange Serpent Tribe's Dou Venerate experts all engaged in combat. Their combined might shook the earth and mountains!
"Kill!" Across the vast land, screams of pain transformed into battle cries. Some rogue cultivators tried to flee with their spoils, but the exit at the serpent's tail swarmed with black insects. Unable to escape, they were soon drained of all flesh and blood.
"Damn it, these things are treating us like food!"
"Filthy bugs! You're courting death!"
As more black insects emerged from within the Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's skeleton, its original bone-white color was gradually revealed.
Just as the swarm intensified, something appeared in the skeleton's central region. A vast, lake-like object emerged from within the bones!
From a distance, this massive object resembled a beautiful ruby, radiating a soft glow. Threads of blood-colored light emanated from within, creating an unexpectedly beautiful sight.
"A Monster Core! And it's Rank 9!" Xiao Yan's heart raced. This Monster Core had been perfectly preserved, with virtually no energy loss whatsoever.
To him, it represented infinite temptation!
He possessed sufficient materials to refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill; the Core Bead he had obtained from the Ye Clan's Sun Fire Ancient Altar contained enough energy for that purpose. But a Core Bead would not suffice for a Tier 9 Mysterious Pill!
This Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent Monster Core, however, most certainly would!
Cai Lin immediately understood his desire when she saw the look in his eyes. She said firmly, "You can't reveal yourself yet. I'll seize it for you."
Xiao Yan's heart clenched. He couldn't act yet; the Spatial Seal was not yet complete. This small world was simply too vast.
"Your Majesty, let me accompany you!" Qing Lin offered.
Cai Lin shook her head. "No need. The Nine-Headed Heaven Serpent's remnant soul hasn't appeared yet. Besides, if the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe discovers you, Qing Lin, they might shift their focus to attack you and immediately summon reinforcements. You must remain hidden for now."
Xiao Yan pulled Cai Lin into his embrace as three Heavenly Flames slowly emerged from his body, wrapping protectively around her. He whispered, "Be careful. The Monster Core isn't worth your safety."
Cai Lin pulled back her hood and fixed Xiao Yan with a cold stare. "Have you forgotten? I am Queen Medusa."
Then, with commanding dominance, she grabbed his collar and leaned down for a kiss.
No one underestimated Her Majesty the Queen without consequence!
Her tongue lightly brushed her crimson lips. She remained as dangerous and imperious as ever.
Cai Lin tore open space with a sweep of her jade-like hand. Wrapped in the protection of three kinds of Heavenly Flames, she surged toward the Monster Core with matchless dominance.
"That red light!"
"Holy hell?! A Heaven Serpent Monster Core! It's Rank 9!"
The moment the Monster Core was revealed, everyone's eyes blazed with greed. A Rank 9 Ancient Heaven Serpent Monster Core—such a priceless treasure would be the main highlight even at the Central Plains' grandest auctions!
BOOM!
With a flash of movement that drew every eye, a figure as beautiful as a celestial fairy shot forward like lightning, beating everyone to the prize.
"Who is that?!"
"Queen Medusa!"
Venerable Jian, Venerable Huang Quan, and the experts of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe all cried out in recognition.
One might not recognize the Yan Alliance's Xiao Yan, the Pill Gathering champion, but Queen Medusa's name resounded with infamy throughout the Central Plains!
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!!
The moment Cai Lin rushed toward the Monster Core, countless black insects swarmed her, intent on devouring her flesh and blood completely!
"Hmph!" Cai Lin snorted coldly. Three Heavenly Flames orbited her like satellites, rapidly expanding as she channeled vast quantities of Dou Qi into them.
In an instant, the Ten Thousand Beast Flame, Green Lotus Core Flame, and Fallen Heart Flame seemed to come alive.
A cyan lotus bloomed, its petals serving as shields around Cai Lin. To her left and right, giant pythons of blood-red and transparent flame took shape.
The Fallen Heart Flame python's eyes snapped open with a sharp, crystalline chime. An invisible ripple spread outward, and before the dense swarm could even reach Cai Lin, wisps of invisible heart fire ignited deep within their bodies.
These mere Dou King and Dou Emperor level insects stood no chance against the Fallen Heart Flame. In a heartbeat, the transparent flames spread like wildfire. The terrifying black insects dropped from the sky like moths drawn to a fatal flame, reduced to ash before they hit the ground.
Boom!
Cai Lin stepped through the void like a rainbow-colored sword, unstoppable as she cleaved through the dense insect swarm, charging straight for the Monster Core.
"Her Majesty is so powerful!" Qing Lin watched in awe. This display far exceeded the strength of a typical 2-star peak Dou Venerate. Her destructive power surpassed even the combined might of the peak 3-star Venerable Jian and Venerable Huang Quan!
Xiao Yan stroked his chin thoughtfully. 'Perhaps Cai Lin should cultivate the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change. It seems quite suitable for her.'