Anya's body, flooded with violent Sage Power, felt as if plunging into a dark abyss. Her physical form rapidly deteriorated—her flesh began to rot and condense into pools of blood and flesh.
"Boom!"
Just when this clone was about to explode from the pressure, two opposing cellular forces erupted within her body—like anger arising from oppression—and entered the battlefield. Three forces collided, clashing and tearing at one another, destroying and regenerating within her body.
This raging energy storm formed a massive vortex internally, its pain far surpassing even that of past experiments. Anya could have avoided all suffering by simply separating her soul from the body—but she couldn't.
This wild power needed guidance and absorption. If her soul left the body now, these three forces would clash chaotically within, instantly causing her physical form to detonate.
Anya's eyes flashed coldly. With no visible effort, the scroll hidden within the serpent statue above Ryuchi Cave flew into her hands. As she unfurled the scroll, no explanations were needed—her soul power reached maximum capacity, beginning cultivation according to the guidance inscribed upon it for Ryuchi Cave's Sage Arts.
"How… How did she do that?"
The Hebihimes who had witnessed the first three trials stood stunned. Just moments ago on the verge of death, this person had somehow rallied back like dying flames flaring brilliantly, suppressing the Sage Power energy infused by White Snake Sage, instead formally beginning cultivation through Ryuchi Cave's scroll. Truly terrifying.
"Haaah!"
With a loud cry, the previously exploded mess of flesh and blood reignited with vitality. Inside her body, both Hashirama's Cells and her own fully activated. This clone was like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, breaking past previous limits. An astonishing aura shot straight into the sky, a dragon horn faintly protruding atop her head, her whole body emitting a soft green glow. Numerous serpent phantoms appeared around her figure—even becoming semi-corporeal under enhancement from natural energy.
[Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave — Activated]
"It worked… She actually learned it," whispered White Snake Sage in disbelief, his serpent-like eyes filled with shock.
Anya felt an indescribable sense of exhilaration throughout her entire being. The constant conflict between two cellular forces within her body had completely disappeared. After infusing this clone with Ryuchi Cave's Sage Power, it was no longer just a disposable copy—it now possessed enough strength to challenge her original body, though only barely qualifying for such a contest.
After deactivating Sage Mode, several Hebihimes circled Anya, scrutinizing her top to bottom with kind gazes, as if regarding one of their own.
White Snake Sage spoke majestically, "You may leave now."
"At once." The Hebihimes obediently withdrew, stealing lingering glances at Anya before reluctantly departing.
Looking meaningfully at Anya, White Snake Sage continued, "This kind of body... It's the first time I've ever seen such foreign power. Truly terrifying."
"Foreign power?"
"A long time ago, chakra didn't exist in this world," said White Snake Sage, giving Anya a complicated look. After a long pause, he added, "I could offer you something—an official identity. How does that sound?"
"Identity? What exactly do you mean?" Anya asked, puzzled.
"Guardian of Ryuchi Cave."
"Anya," the White Snake Sage quickly said, "with this identity, I can grant you a token allowing free travel between Ryuchi Cave and the mortal world. You may even bring ninja from the living realm here to cultivate the Sage Arts of Ryuchi Cave."
"Sounds too good to be true?" Anya felt tempted, though she knew better — everything in this world demanded a price.
Anya asked cautiously, "What must I do?"
"Stand on our side and fight against foreign creatures."
Anya frowned slightly. "Foreign creatures?"
The White Snake Sage didn't elaborate. "You're still too weak now. When you grow stronger, you'll understand naturally."
Anya's heart stirred. She already understood what the White Snake Sage was implying and immediately responded, "Alright, I agree."
Without wasting words, the White Snake Sage spat out a token from its giant mouth.
Anya caught it in one motion. The token bore several snake-shaped markings. Smooth as jade in her hand, it subtly resonated with her internal Sage Chakra. No doubt this energy would generate space-time power allowing her to return to Ryuchi Cave.
Putting the token away carefully, Anya made a request. "This token contains space-time power. White Snake Sage, your control over space-time must be considerable."
The White Snake Sage caught on instantly. "So you want me to send you out? If my senses haven't deceived me, Orochimaru is still waiting for you outside."
"Exactly because of that."
Anya understood Orochimaru deeply. From the moment Orochimaru sent this shadow clone to learn the Sage Arts, his intentions had been less than honorable. If the clone hadn't mastered the techniques, that would've been fine. But once mastered, either Orochimaru would swallow the clone or bind it for research. Nothing could stop Orochimaru when it came to pursuing unknown powers.
Earlier, Anya had deliberately kept her distance from Orochimaru precisely for this reason. Without sufficient strength, attempting cooperation with Serpent Master would've been walking a tightrope — extremely risky. Besides, in Orochimaru's mind, how could a mere clone possibly cause them to fall out?
Although now the clone had mastered Sage Mode and didn't fear him anymore, there was no need to clash head-on. It was better to leave things on good terms.
"Hahaha," the White Snake Sage drawled, watching Anya with growing interest. "I take back what I said earlier. You really are a clever person. So tell me, where do you want to go?"
After hearing Anya's requested destination, the White Snake Sage exhaled a gust of wind from its mouth. With the breeze, Anya completely vanished from Ryuchi Cave.
After sending Anya off, the White Snake Sage lazily curled up on its resting platform, murmuring to itself, "Strange. The location he just mentioned seems awfully close to Shikkotsu Forest. Is it just a coincidence?"
Standing vigilantly outside the cave, Orochimaru keenly sensed an immense power surge from within Ryuchi Cave. Two familiar energies were unmistakably present. Uncharacteristic excitement gleamed in his eyes. "Indeed, a body containing both Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan cells can fully contain the Power of the Sage. Anya, come out quickly. I can't wait any longer."
As he spoke, Orochimaru extended his long tongue to lick his lips, saliva dripping onto the ground.
Fifteen minutes... then an hour... then half a day passed. Orochimaru finally sensed something was wrong. By all rights, once someone mastered the Sage Art, they should've exited already. Why hadn't he come back even after all this time?
Unable to hold back his impatience any longer, Orochimaru entered Ryuchi Cave himself. He'd barely taken a few steps when three Hebihime from the earlier trial blocked his way.
Among them, the mature and elegant Tachibana Hime spoke, "Orochimaru, why are you here again? You've already tried it before. Your body can't withstand the power of the Sage Art. No matter how many times you come, the result will always be the same."
Orochimaru coldly asked, "I'm looking for someone. Where is the person I sent in earlier? Where is he?"
"Oh, you mean that guy? The White Snake Sage already sent him back. He should've reached the mortal world by now."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru immediately turned around and left. His snake-like eyes, after momentarily flaring with anger, soon became calm again. After a long silence, he gave a bitter smile and said, "Anya, you truly understand me well."
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