The sudden turn of events shattered Zhao Kun's reason and his last hope. He was no longer the proud and powerful figure he once was, but a lone wolf trapped on the brink of life and death. Though he was not truly a master of the innate realm, at this moment, he had pushed every ounce of his potential to the limit, barely breaking through the boundaries of the innate level.
In this extreme state of desperate retaliation, the power he unleashed was enough to tear the heavens apart. Zhao Kun wasted no time and released this immense force, paying the price with his own life. With a deafening roar, the chest of the Purple Lightning Python was shattered. Though it tried to dodge in the final moment, it couldn't escape the devastating blow. The creature's mouth was torn to shreds, and the excruciating pain made it scream in agony, even breaking one of its sharp venomous fangs.
However, the situation did not ease. As the Purple Lightning Python struggled in pain, Elder Zhao Xiqian arrived from the air, a gleaming short sword appearing in his hand. This sword was no ordinary magical weapon, but a rare treasure crafted for martial cultivators, with a sharpness that could easily slice through any enemy. As a peak innate martial cultivator, Zhao Xiqian wielded this weapon with terrifying power, capable of reducing any foe to ashes in an instant.
With a cold smirk, Elder Zhao Xiqian scanned the battlefield and sensed the Purple Lightning Python's threat. Suddenly, a strong, oppressive aura rose from the depths of the pond, making his heart tighten. To his surprise, this aura did not belong to a regular enemy, but to someone far stronger!
As Zhao Xiqian's sword energy slashed at the pond, the already fractured water seemed to disappear into thin air under a powerful force. The sword energy vanished as if absorbed by an invisible power, and an irresistible pressure quietly consumed it. Zhao Xiqian's face turned pale as he realized the gravity of the situation. He instinctively shifted his focus to Lin Tian, understanding that the matter was far more complicated than he had anticipated.
"What's going on? Could it be...?" Elder Zhao Xiqian thought in horror. That aura had surpassed the innate level, it seemed to belong to a master-level being! He subconsciously stepped back, his face growing even more solemn. Elder Zhao Xiqian was forced to acknowledge that neither he nor the Zhao family had any chance against a true master.
"Who is cultivating beneath the water?" Elder Zhao Xiqian couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with respect. "Senior, the Zhao family has a deep enmity with the Purple Lightning Python, and we have no way out. We hope that you might assist us and give us a fighting chance!"
However, the voice from beneath the water responded with a cold tone: "Help you? Ha, why would I help outsiders deal with my own kin?" This response hit like a sledgehammer, leaving Elder Zhao Xiqian and the other elders stunned.
Zhao Xiqian involuntarily took a few steps back, fear rising sharply in his heart. He realized that the enemy before him was not merely a beast; there was a terrifying force behind the voice. This power was close to the level of a spirit beast, capable of assuming a form and commanding the rules of the world.
At this moment, the Zhao family elders truly understood the magnitude of the threat they faced. The Purple Lightning Python was no ordinary demon beast; its kin had likely reached the level of a spirit beast, possibly even one that could transform! If this demon sought revenge, they would be completely powerless.
Fear and despair surged through their hearts like a tidal wave. After a brief internal struggle, Elder Zhao Xiqian finally spoke in a respectful tone: "Senior, if you are unwilling to help, we will not disturb you further. We only ask that you spare the Zhao family and give us a glimmer of hope." He realized that if they didn't retreat now, they might lose their last chance of survival.
The cold voice responded once more: "Scram. Don't let me see you ants again, or I won't be so polite." Elder Zhao Xiqian and the other elders turned pale as paper and quickly withdrew, taking Zhao Tian and Zhao Pingping with them.
The Purple Lightning Python had completely vanished into the depths of the pond, and the oppressive aura around them dissipated. The only living creature remaining was the injured Six-Legged Crocodile, which slowly crawled onto the shore and began devouring the corpses scattered around.
Though the Six-Legged Crocodile bore significant wounds, it seemed unconcerned, greedily devouring the bodies of the Zhao family disciples and absorbing their vital energy and blood. Though it had yet to awaken its intelligence, it had followed the Purple Lightning Python for some time, and it instinctively knew that the flesh and blood of these cultivators would help it advance. Immersed in its feeding frenzy, it seemed on the verge of undergoing a massive transformation.
Yet, the chaotic battle was far from over. The bodies of the Zhao family disciples lay scattered across the ground, the stench of blood hanging thick in the air, and the atmosphere was filled with an overwhelming sense of heaviness.