The Viper and the Bat
Several days had already passed since Dang Sobaek had taken up residence in Jim-sam's nest. Nothing particularly unusual had occurred during that time.
Jim-i was now fully recovered, capable of soaring freely through the sky and even joining the hunt.
Every morning,
Dang Sobaek scattered poison crystals—infused with a trace of his own venom and demonic qi—around the nest as bait.
'A pity. Did no venomous beasts take the bait this time either?'
While a Jimjo could ingest and accumulate poison, they could not generate it from their own internal organs.
In short, they had to constantly consume venomous creatures to build up their reserves.
He wondered what kind of transformation would occur once his poison core was completely filled.
Even if no venomous beasts bit, creatures harboring spiritual qi were caught quite frequently. Of course, ordinary beasts were still the most common catch.
Still, today's harvest was rather decent.
It was a young deer that possessed a faint trace of spiritual qi. It was currently twitching, on the verge of drawing its last breath.
The same familiar voice echoed in his mind once again. He ignored it, though a slight headache throbbed behind his eyes.
Just then, Jim-i, who had been enjoying a leisurely flight, came rushing down in a flurry.
"Pyah-ahk!"
Upon seeing the deer, she rejoiced as if she had caught it herself. She fluttered her wings, drew close, and rubbed her cheek against his.
'Overbearing.'
Dang Sobaek gently pushed Jim-i away and watched her with a steady, calculating gaze.
"Pyak?"
Jim-i tilted her head in confusion.
Fortunately, she seemed entirely unaffected by the mysterious voice.
'I wonder if the others hear it too. Or perhaps its purpose is closer to subconscious brainwashing? I cannot fathom the trigger conditions. Well, she seems perfectly fine, so there should be no immediate issue.'
With those thoughts, Dang Sobaek looked down at the now-lifeless fawn. Since its size was nearly equal to Jim-i's, they carried it back to the nest together.
When they returned, Jim-sam was lazily preening his feathers.
Over the past few days, Dang Sobaek had focused his efforts on persuading Jim-sam to help them raid the Black-scaled Blood Python's lair.
There was no way to know if his message had truly gotten through. Jim-sam was naturally aloof, and there were clear limits to communicating complex ideas.
So, Sobaek had simply resorted to offering consistent bribes.
While Jim-sam showed little interest in ordinary beasts, he was highly intrigued by those harboring spiritual qi. Every time Sobaek brought one, the large bird would drool and smack his beak.
It did not seem to be solely due to the whispering voice's instigation. If that were the case, Jim-sam would have tried to snatch the food by force rather than waiting patiently for his share.
Most likely,
beasts with spiritual qi simply tasted exquisite and were rare to come by.
Additionally, spiritual qi was just as indispensable as poison for a Jimjo's growth.
Sure enough,
Jim-sam showed keen interest once again.
He stared at the fawn with greedy eyes.
Dang Sobaek tore the carcass into three portions and shared it with his siblings.
Though it was nothing but raw flesh dripping with blood, it tasted surprisingly like cooked meat. There was no gamey odor whatsoever; it was nothing short of a delicacy.
It reminded him of his distant past, of the venison he had roasted over campfires when hunger struck during his travels through the Jianghu. The taste was remarkably similar.
The spiritual qi infused within the meat acted almost like a fine spice.
After savoring his meal for a while, Sobaek looked around to find his siblings' bellies completely bloated.
Once again, Dang Sobaek used a mix of gestures and wing-flaps to persuade Jim-sam, asking for his aid and promising more of such prey in return.
Originally, he hadn't planned on relying so heavily on Jim-sam. He could have managed a single Black-scaled Blood Python on his own.
However, the variable of the bat monster had entered the equation. He needed to maximize their combat strength.
'If worst comes to worst, we may have to find another place.'
It would be far safer to retreat and find a different territory rather than overextending themselves just to claim that specific cave.
As Dang Sobaek flapped his wings and took flight to scout, Jim-i and Jim-sam immediately followed behind him.
A deep smile spread across Dang Sobaek's beak.
The bat monster did not act rashly, even though the python that had slaughtered its offspring had returned.
Its previous clash with Dang Sobaek had taught it a valuable lesson: it must only strike when success was absolutely guaranteed.
The python's recent hunts seemed to have gone poorly. Its red eyes lacked vitality, and its body was noticeably thinner than before.
Shshshhh—
Coiling its body, the python began to swallow the carcasses of the bats strewn in the corner of the cave.
Watching this, the bat monster's body twitched. A cold, blue light flared in its eight eyes. Yet, it held its ground, displaying truly superhuman patience.
Suddenly, the python tilted its head in confusion.
Leaving the half-swallowed bat carcass aside, it began rummaging through the pile of bones as if searching for something.
Soon, an object revealed itself.
It was the jade-green crystal that the bat monster had previously abandoned out of suspicion.
Just like the bat monster, the python flicked its tongue before the crystal, hesitating for a long time.
It tasted it, took it into its mouth, and spat it back out. It clearly found the object highly suspicious.
The bat monster possessed a higher spiritual rank than the python. After observing the crystal for several days, it had managed to deduce its nature: it was a highly lethal poison crystal.
Hiding within a crevice in the cliff outside the cave, the bat monster prayed fervently that the python would swallow it.
The python likely wouldn't realize the danger. Its spiritual qi was lacking, and its inner core was still too small.
Time passed in tense silence.
The python continued to hesitate well into the next day.
Just as the morning sunlight began to filter softly into the cave,
"!!!"
The python finally decided to absorb the poison crystal. It knew something was amiss; the object reeked of venom.
Yet, it swallowed it anyway, driven by supreme confidence in its own immunity. It believed no poison could ever harm it.
Furthermore, the scent was simply too alluring to resist.
And then, there was the voice whispering incessantly in its mind.
The python did not understand the meaning behind those words. It simply heard this voice whenever it encountered something rich in spiritual qi, and following it had almost always proven beneficial.
As the poison crystal slid down its throat, an unprecedented sweetness spread through its body, making it shudder with pleasure.
Even then, the bat monster remained in hiding, choosing to observe a little longer.
The python thudded its tail against the ground in satisfaction. Nothing seemed wrong.
But then, in an instant,
"Kyia-aaaaahk!"
The python writhed violently.
It vomited a torrent of blood as a sensation like a melting stomach tore through its insides. The agony was unbearable.
It slammed its head against the cave walls, twisting its massive body into knots.
Crash! Boom!
Deafening impacts echoed continuously, sending a shower of stone dust raining down from the ceiling.
"Kyiahk! Kyia-haahk!"
The python desperately tried to regurgitate the poison crystal, but it felt as though it had already melted and fused to its flesh, refusing to budge.
Half of its stomach had already dissolved. If left alone, the toxic energy would inevitably spread to its other organs. This was not a poison it could overcome with mere natural resistance.
The python violently disgorged everything it had recently consumed.
"Kwo-oooohrk!"
A nauseating stench filled the cavern.
The image of a certain beast flashed through the python's mind: the Jimjo chick it had encountered not long ago.
How many venomous creatures had it devoured in its lifetime? No poison had ever worked against it.
Except for one.
The only venomous beast it had never managed to devour was a Jimjo.
Ultimately, the python had to tear away a piece of its own fused stomach lining before it could finally expel the poison crystal. It came out mixed with chunks of dissolved organs.
The python immediately prepared to shed its skin, as that was the only way to regenerate its ruined internal organs.
But the bat monster did not miss this golden opportunity and swooped in.
Screeeeech—
A wave of sonic pressure erupted, incomparable in intensity to the one Dang Sobaek had faced.
The shockwave rattled the python's brain, triggering a blinding headache. The sonic blast scrambled its senses; its vision blurred, making the attacking bat monster appear doubled.
Even in its disoriented state, the python made a split-second decision. It had to swing its tail and smash the bat to the ground.
Craaaash!
The python's tail barely grazed the bat monster. It was a strike so powerful that the mere wind pressure sent a chill down one's spine.
In an instant, the cave transformed into a chaotic battlefield. The bat monster's flames swirled, and the python's venom sprayed in all directions.
A desperate struggle ensued between the python fighting for survival and the bat monster driven by a singular, murderous intent.
The battle was neck-and-neck.
Neither could gain the upper hand.
Half of the bat monster's four pairs of wings were dissolved by the venom, while the python completely lost its hearing.
Though the python's tough scales remained intact, its insides were already in tatters.
As time wore on, the bat monster's movements slowed, eventually bringing it within the python's striking range.
The python did not miss its chance.
It whipped its tail instantly.
"BOOM!"
With a force that shook the entire cavern, the bat monster was slammed into the wall.
Its eyes grew dim as its breath began to fade.
A profound sense of resentment washed over the bat monster.
Though the python was also in terrible shape, the bat knew that given enough time, the serpent would recover completely by shedding its skin.
Slurred Yo-language slipped from the bat monster. It did not even know how it was possible; the words had simply manifested through its sheer, overwhelming rage.
Just then,
an acrid green mist drifted into the cave. The bat monster's wounds tore open further, dripping fresh blood. This was not the python's doing.
The bat forced its heavy eyelids open.
It recognized a familiar face.
The Jimjo chick it had seen before.
Along with that chick, a total of three Jimjos were gliding into the cavern.
'What a gruesome sight.'
The bat monster was on the verge of death, and the Black-scaled Blood Python was also in tatters—though compared to the bat, its exterior appeared relatively intact.
The poison mist deployed by Jim-sam was not particularly lethal on its own.
This was especially true against spiritual beasts.
The spiritual qi within their bodies actively repelled the toxic energy. At most, the mist merely prevented wounds from healing and accelerated blood loss.
However, prolonged exposure was a different story. It would slowly eat away at them like a malignant tumor.
Therefore, there was no need to rush.
Dang Sobaek kept a safe distance alongside his siblings, calmly observing the situation.
He hadn't expected the bat monster to put up such a fierce fight against the Black-scaled Blood Python.
After all, compatibility played a major role.
The bat's flames could not penetrate the python's scales, and while its sonic waves were threatening, they weren't quite lethal enough.
Scanning the surroundings, Sobaek spotted the half-dissolved poison crystal. He immediately pieced together what had happened.
'I see. The Black-scaled Blood Python was already severely wounded by the poison crystal before they clashed.'
When Dang Sobaek had crafted the poison crystal,
he had infused it with spiritual qi to its absolute limit, fearing the python might otherwise ignore it.
Spiritual qi was, after all, an irresistible bait.
On top of that, he had formulated a specific poison mixture.
Soul-Shattering Bone-Dissolving Powder.
A legendary poison of the Tang Clan, named for its ability to shatter the soul and dissolve even the strongest bones.
Of course, since the variety of poisons he had consumed in this life was still limited, this was merely a diluted version. Still, it was the absolute best Dang Sobaek could produce at his current level.
'I had my doubts... but it seems to have worked perfectly. Though it appears the beast managed to regurgitate it before its stomach dissolved entirely.'
The Black-scaled Blood Python glared in their direction.
It flicked its tongue threateningly, but Sobaek found it almost laughable. The serpent didn't even dare to approach them.
A brief yet tense silence stretched.
The python shuddered violently and coughed up another pool of blood. It was a natural consequence of inhaling poison mist continuously while already gravely injured.
"Kyia-aaahk!"
Realizing it needed to end this quickly, the python dragged its massive body toward them.
But it was no longer the beast it once was.
Its movements were sluggish, and its tail-swipes lacked any real power.
'There is no need to engage it head-on just yet.'
Dang Sobaek signaled his siblings to fall back. No matter how formidable the python was, it could never catch a winged beast in the air.
Though the feathers launched by Jim-i and Jim-sam barely scratched its scales,
"Kyia-aaaaah!"
the provocation succeeded.
The python roared in sheer frustration. Its movements grew frantic as it thrashed its tail against the ground, sending showers of rocks flying.
Yet, none of its attacks held the same destructive power as their first encounter. It was slowly, inevitably, withering away.
With each passing moment, its actions became more labored.
'But not yet.'
Spiritual beasts were generally cunning creatures. He could not rule out the possibility that it was harboring some hidden reserve of strength.
Dang Sobaek launched another feather as a test.
Aiming straight for the python's eye.
He did not coat it with venom, focusing entirely on speed.
However,
*Clang!*
The python deflected the feather with a swift flick of its tail.
'Just as I thought.'
His instincts had been correct. Had they closed the distance, they would have suffered a devastating counterattack.
Dang Sobaek patiently monitored the python's movements, occasionally taking shots at its vital points.
"Pyah-ahk?"
Jim-i chirped in confusion, looking at Dang Sobaek. Fortunately, contrary to his worries, she didn't seem frightened at all.
In fact, she looked remarkably cheerful.
At least, on the surface.
But having lived a long life, Dang Sobaek easily read the underlying emotion masked by her bright exterior.
She wanted vengeance. She desperately desired to exact revenge on the python.
'Madness.'
Dang Sobaek felt a slight chill. Her state of mind, bordering on obsession, was reminiscent of the Blood Demon from his past life.
It was the worst possible trait.
'If only she had felt fear instead...'
That would have been far easier to manage.
Curing someone consumed by madness was never an easy task. Of course, it was still too early to judge. Dang Sobaek decided to keep a close eye on her and shifted his gaze.
Jim-sam, on the other hand, looked utterly indifferent. He wore a slightly bored expression, showing absolutely no sign of tension.
Dang Sobaek wanted to wait for the python to tire out completely, but
"Pyak, pyak!"
Jim-i urged him forward.
She seemed eager to deliver the killing blow immediately.
It seemed he couldn't delay any longer.
Before ordering the attack, Dang Sobaek launched another feather. This time, fortunately, the python's reaction was slow.
The feather pierced straight through its eye.
"Kyia-haahk!"
The python shrieked in agonizing pain.
'Now is the time.'
Finally, the battle between the severely weakened python and the Jimjo siblings began in earnest.
Jim-i moved with blinding speed, tearing away the scales around its head, while Jim-sam used his brute strength to peck at the scales on its torso.
*Thud!*
Even when Jim-sam took a direct hit, he got right back up as if nothing had happened and lunged again. Not a single bone seemed broken.
Under the relentless coordinated assault of the three Jimjos, the python's condition deteriorated rapidly.
The poison mist seeped into the exposed flesh where scales had been torn away, accelerating its blood loss.
Moreover, thanks to Dang Sobaek, the python now resembled a porcupine, with feathers bristling all over its body. The more it thrashed, the deeper those feathers dug into its flesh.
Despite its valiant struggle, the python could only hold out for so long.
*Thud.*
Finally, its massive body collapsed heavily onto the cavern floor.
It was a complete victory for the Jimjos.
Watching this, the bat monster finally closed its eyes, finding peace at last.
And...
completely hidden from even Dang Sobaek's sharp senses, someone was silently watching the entire battle unfold.