Antique Shop

Exhaustion weighed heavily on Xingzi as he caught his breath, seeking solace in a quiet corner of the room. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, evidence of the intense struggle he had just endured. His body ached, protesting against the physical exertion and adrenaline-fueled combat.

As he sat, his breathing gradually steadying, Xingzi called out to the small white snake. To his surprise, instead of slithering towards him as it had done before, the snake veered towards the lifeless zombie that lay sprawled on the floor.

Curiosity tinged with caution, Xingzi watched intently as the snake maneuvered its way towards the zombie's head. It deftly slid into the cracks and crevices of the broken skull, disappearing from sight. Moments later, the snake emerged, a grey crystal clasped within its mouth.

"What's that?" Xingzi's voice betrayed a mix of astonishment and intrigue. He gently stroked the snake's scales, expressing both appreciation and curiosity.