SS - 26

Chapter 26: Cockscomb Phoenix Tail Snake

"Su Xiao, why don't you lead the team?" Dai Mubai suggested.

Su Xiao thought for a moment before replying, "Let Xiao San handle it. His knowledge of soul beasts is much more thorough. He can help us avoid unnecessary trouble."

Ning Rongrong approached curiously. "What about you, Brother Xiao? Aren't you and Tang San both disciples of the master?"

Scratching his head awkwardly, Su Xiao admitted, "Well… I only learned a little. When the teacher taught about soul beast theory, I was… uh… off keeping Xiao Bai company."

Tang San, unfazed, accepted the command responsibility. "Ah Xiao, let's clear the way together. It'll be safer than relying on Zhu Zhuqing's scouting alone."

Su Xiao nodded, and the two brothers took the lead while the others assumed their positions.

At the rear, Yu Xiaogang and the rest observed with satisfaction at how smoothly the team worked together.

Suddenly, Zhu Zhuqing's sharp senses caught something. "Something's approaching!"

Tang San turned to her, his expression serious. Zhu Zhuqing activated her martial spirit, using her agility and keen perception to scout ahead.

"It's a soul beast! Flying about three to four meters above the ground and moving fast!" she reported.

"What's its body shape?" Tang San asked.

"Long and narrow, about six to eight meters in length," she replied as she kept pace with the creature.

Tang San rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A snake-type soul beast, perhaps?"

"It's a snake," Zhu Zhuqing confirmed. "It has light red wings and a red head with a cockscomb."

Tang San's eyes lit up. "That's it! A Cockscomb Phoenix Tail Snake, around thirteen to eighteen hundred years old. Its attributes and age are perfect for Oscar!"

Yu Xiaogang, watching from the rear, nodded approvingly. "Oscar's luck is truly remarkable. The Cockscomb Phoenix Tail Snake is a rare find."

"Since Xiao San knows the creature well, I'll leave its capture to you," Flender instructed. "Everyone, take your positions for an ambush!"

Under Tang San's guidance, the group set up an ambush along the snake's path, ready to strike.

"Fatty, your Phoenix Spirit has a suppressive effect on snake-type soul beasts. Use it to limit its movements," Tang San ordered.

Ma Hongjun leapt onto a tall tree, his martial spirit activated. The sight of his fiery aura caused the snake to hesitate in fear.

«Evil Fire Phoenix—First Soul Skill: Phoenix Fire Wire!"

Ma Hongjun exhaled a stream of flames, driving the Cockscomb Phoenix Tail Snake into the trap Tang San had set.

«Blue Silver Grass—First Soul Skill: Bind!»

Tang San's Blue Silver Grass shot out, coiling around the snake's tail. However, the slippery creature twisted free with ease.

"Its scales are too slick! Don't let it escape!" Tang San shouted.

High above, Su Xiao summoned a giant crossbow formed from his Light Holy Dragon Divine Transformation. He fired several light arrows, but the snake's speed increased, dodging every shot.

"Rongrong, boost me!" Su Xiao called out.

"The Seven Treasures, second verse: Speed!" Ning Rongrong's boost surged into Su Xiao, increasing his speed by 30%.

He used the Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track to close the gap, but the snake was still too fast. "Not enough!" Su Xiao gritted his teeth in frustration.

A blur of black shot past him—Zhu Zhuqing. Her sharp claws gleamed as she blocked the snake's path mid-air.

«Nether Spirit Cat—First Soul Skill: Nether Thrust!»

The snake reacted by spewing a colorful mist, enveloping Zhu Zhuqing instantly.

"Zhuqing!" Dai Mubai roared. His martial spirit activated, and he leapt into the air like a tiger pouncing through the jungle. Catching Zhu Zhuqing in his arms, he aimed a strike at the snake's head.

"Boss Dai, calm down! The mist isn't poisonous!" Su Xiao shouted.

Realizing this, Dai Mubai adjusted his punch, hitting the snake's body instead and sending it crashing to the ground. Zhu Zhuqing, no longer paralyzed, blushed as she looked up at Dai Mubai. She quickly pulled away from his arms before they landed, maintaining her usual composure despite the fleeting tension.

Taking advantage of the opening, Tang San once again used Blue Silver Grass to bind the snake tightly. "Fatty, keep up the pressure! This thing's slippery!" he commanded.

"Ah Xiao, knock it unconscious!" Tang San added.

Su Xiao transformed his crossbow into a hammer. Aiming for the snake's weak spot, he struck it at its seven-inch mark, knocking it unconscious.

"Done."

As the group gathered around the subdued snake, Yu Xiaogang inspected it with satisfaction. Flender handed Oscar a small knife. "Pierce it beneath the flesh crown to reach its brain. The soul ring is yours."

Oscar, reverently holding the snake, whispered, "Please become part of my strength."

But just as Oscar raised the knife, a pink, snake-like blade shot toward him from the distance.

"How dare you attack Shrek!" Su Xiao reacted swiftly.

With his Light Holy Dragon Divine Transformation still active, he transformed it into a golden sword and intercepted the blade with precision. A distant scream echoed through the forest.