The next morning, Rin Tianhai opened his eyes.
It had been nine days since he left the Lubeck Clan Territory. During this time, he had traveled by day and rested at night, ensuring his injuries stabilized while regaining his strength.
After a full night of recuperation, his spirit and divine sense were at their peak once more. His body brimmed with power, ready to tread further into the unknown.
Unfolding the map, Rin Tianhai carefully studied his surroundings. By his estimation, he was now near Riyaghe Mountain, less than a hundred miles from the cave dwelling's location.
This region marked the central depths of the Purple Cloud Mountain Range. First Order Late Stage Demon Beasts lurked here, though they appeared infrequently. Still, any carelessness could bring sudden disaster.
Having confirmed his direction, Rin Tianhai summoned his Lubeck Sword and clasped a First Order Defense Talisman in his hand. He moved cautiously through the dense jungle, far more guarded than before.
At each step, he extended his divine sense, probing the land around him before advancing. After half a day, he had covered only thirty miles, though along the way he gathered many First Order Inferior and Medium Grade Spirit Medicines.
His storage bag now brimmed with treasures, including more than twenty herbs. He smiled as he tucked away three Purple Mysterious Flowers, their combined worth already no less than a hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones.
Yet this very abundance made him uneasy.
Not a single demon beast had crossed his path throughout the day. Such abnormal quietness in the heart of the mountains only deepened his caution.
He stopped, surveying his surroundings.
At this point, three peaks converged. Several rivers joined at the bottom of a mist-covered valley. The thick fog heavily restricted his divine sense, limiting it to only a few hundred feet. Dozens of caves of varying sizes lined the mountain walls, their depths unknown.
Comparing his position with the map, Rin Tianhai realized he had strayed more than thirty miles from his intended path. His greed for Spirit Medicines had gradually lured him off course.
He resolved to retrace his steps to his last resting point and resume the correct route.
Just as he turned to leave, he froze.
From the mist, a gigantic python raised its massive head, its scarlet eyes fixed on him. Its forked tongue flickered as it hissed. The serpent's body stretched for dozens of meters, radiating menace.
"A First Order Late Stage Spirit-Connecting Python!"
Rin Tianhai's expression darkened.
A fully grown Spirit-Connecting Python was a Second Order Late Phase Beast, carrying a trace of ancient dragon blood. Its strength was unmatched among its peers. And judging by the many caves dotting the mountain, this was likely the den of an entire brood.
If he hesitated and another python emerged, his death was certain.
Without delay, he transformed into a streak of green light, darting through the forest.
The python gave chase, its enormous body weaving through the trees with shocking speed and agility. Within mere miles, it had already closed the gap.
The serpent lunged, its gaping maw descending upon him.
Rin Tianhai twisted aside at the last moment, hiding behind a great tree. The python's bite sheared several trunks in half, sending them crashing down in thunderous ruin.
Panting, Rin Tianhai realized escape was impossible. The serpent was half again as fast as him, outrunning it was hopeless.
His only path forward was to repel or kill it.
Pain seared his arm where a few droplets of the python's venomous saliva had landed. The flesh was corroding, a chilling testament to the creature's toxic power.
Gritting his teeth, Rin Tianhai summoned his spiritual light.
Drawing the Lubeck Sword, he slashed several times before releasing a First Order Superior Attack Talisman, uncaring of the cost.
A blue giant sword and countless sword qi surged forth, striking at the python.
The beast retaliated, sweeping its massive tail toward him. The clash was deafening, azure sword light against green and white scales. Sparks rained down as trees toppled in waves.
A gash marred the python's tail, though not deep. The serpent grew even more enraged, its eyes locked onto Rin Tianhai with murderous intent.
Tianhai, seeing the result, quickly came to realization. To kill it, he had to strike its weakness, the vital "seven-inch" spot below its head.
He slashed three more times, distracting the beast, then blurred forward. While moving, his hands formed seals. His strongest divine skill, the Fire Origin Slash, roared to life.
A fiery-red giant sword blazed into existence, cleaving toward the python's seven-inch point.
With a thunderous boom, the blade tore through scale and flesh. The python writhed in agony, blood spraying in torrents.
Its massive tail lashed out in fury, striking Rin Tianhai squarely. Pain exploded through his chest as ribs cracked and bone showed through a torn wound.
But he did not relent.
Suppressing his injuries, he pressed forward with relentless strikes, driving the Lubeck Sword into the serpent's vitals until at last it lay still.
When the battle ended, Rin Tianhai was drenched in blood, his own mingled with the python's.
He swiftly harvested its demon core, pried out the reverse scale, and filled a jade bottle with its potent blood. He peeled its skin and stowed it away before vanishing back into the forest.
Half a day later, he retraced his path to the main route marked on the map. Exhausted, he settled atop the canopy of a towering tree.
There, he finally allowed himself to heal.
Swallowing a Jade Detoxification Pill and a Consolidating Essence Pill, he circulated his qi. Their power rapidly mended his battered meridians and organs, stabilizing his condition once more.