Decapitating the Jade Python

In the center of the valley lay a large water hole, bordered by lush flowers and plants.

The water within the pool was tranquil, colored a serene green, and mist ascended leisurely, emitting a faint aura.

At the heart of the pool rested a small mound of soil. Perched atop the mound was a three-meter-long fruit tree. The tree was transparent, resembling a turquoise crystal—clear, unblemished, and radiant.

Four luminous fruits hung from the branches, each about the size of a fist. They appeared crystal clear and delicate, exuding an exquisite fragrance.

Lu Yunxiao found himself licking his lips unconsciously; the captivating scent was enticing.

"Be cautious; the third-stage Green Crystal Python is lurking in the pool," Wu Hao cautioned quietly.

"Got it." Lu Yunxiao responded, but his gaze continued to roam the surroundings.

The valley wasn't only home to Bijing fruit trees. The plants and flowers growing there were also valuable herbs. Though not exceedingly precious, they were certainly valuable in terms of medicinal applications.

The valley's potent aura had nurtured various treasures.

"But why do I feel like something around here is drawing me in? It's not clear, but the sensation is undeniable," Lu Yunxiao mused. Upon entering the valley, he had experienced an inexplicable allure.

"That's likely the result of your innate golden aura resonating with something, generating a sense of familiarity," the system's voice chimed in suddenly.

"Yes, but I can't pinpoint the source of that familiarity," Lu Yunxiao replied mentally.

"Haha, your luck is improving, Host. I didn't expect to come across this. It's quite rare."

The system chuckled.

"Do you know what it is?" Lu Yunxiao inquired, curiosity piqued.

"I do, but first, you should collect the Bijing Fruits. We can discuss that later," the system advised softly.

"I hope it's not another scam." Lu Yunxiao muttered. Gathering his fighting spirit, he enveloped himself in a golden fighting spirit aura—the result of his innate golden aura.

"Wu Hao, let's go." Lu Yunxiao's voice rang out as he swung the Feihong Sword.

"Geng Jin Sword Qi!"

A stream of golden sword aura burst forth from the tip of the Feihong Sword, plunging into the pool waters and creating splashes.

Suddenly, a roar echoed, and the water in the pool churned violently as a colossal python, over ten meters in length, emerged from the water.

Its body was adorned with scales resembling aquamarine crystals. It sported a pair of intense green eyes brimming with ferocity and cruelty.

With a gaping maw exposing sharp fangs, the python lunged towards Lu Yunxiao and Wu Hao with an aura of ruthlessness.

Lu Yunxiao's heart remained steady; he met the creature head-on with the Feihong Sword.

Simultaneously, Wu Hao charged forward with his blood sword.

"Ding!"

"Ding!"

The Feihong Sword and the Blood Sword struck the Green Crystal Python consecutively.

Leveraging his innate golden aura's sharpness, Lu Yunxiao's Feihong Sword cut through the scales, leaving a bloody gash on the python's body.

Wu Hao's blood sword landed on the python, causing its scales to fracture slightly, though not enough to breach its defenses fully.

The Green Crystal Python retaliated, unleashing a mighty shake that flung both Lu Yunxiao and Wu Hao back.

Exhaling a cold breath, the python lunged at Lu Yunxiao.

Wu Hao, too, had attacked, but the enhanced attack power of Lu Yunxiao's strike garnered more attention.

"Brace yourself!" Lu Yunxiao's fighting aura morphed into a shield of gold, deflecting the cold breath. He then summoned the Feihong Sword's brilliance and engaged the Green Crystal Python.

Seizing the chance, Wu Hao used a powerful strike.

His blood sword's energy surged, and it struck the python's neck, piercing its scales and leaving a deep wound. Blood gushed forth.

The python roared, anguished, then its massive tail whipped toward Wu Hao.

Caught off guard, Wu Hao raised his blood sword to defend. The tail struck the sword, sending Wu Hao flying.

"Flying Phoenix Dance for Nine Days!" Lu Yunxiao soared forward, executing the maneuver to catch Wu Hao as he descended.

Wu Hao's body had taken a hit—though the blood sword had absorbed much of the impact, he still had blood trickling from his mouth.

"I'm fine. It's not fair for you to shoulder everything," Wu Hao shook his head, refusing to be coddled.

"Don't worry. I can manage alone. You've already inflicted a wound; it'll be easier to deal with now," Lu Yunxiao replied with a smile, before leaping back into action. His use of "Flying Phoenix Dance for Nine Days" was impeccable. With remarkable speed, he deftly evaded the python's attacks and caused additional wounds to its body using the Feihong Sword.

Though each strike wasn't fatal, the cumulative damage inflicted on the Green Crystal Python was significant.

"The final blow, Immortal Soaring the Skies!"

Lu Yunxiao's figure vaulted upward, delivering a final thrust.

"Immortal Soaring the Skies" integrated sword intent, reaching the pinnacle of profound-stage fighting techniques.

The sword's immense power cleaved through the wound on the python's neck, decapitating it completely.

The python's head tumbled, blood spewing as its body thrashed and writhed on the ground.

Watching the dying python, Lu Yunxiao landed gracefully, his expression calm.

More than ten months earlier, he had used ground-level fighting skills and was defeated by a five-star master.

Now, over ten months later, he faced a python at the early third stage of cultivation and didn't need to rely on any fighting skills.