It seemed that Yun Qingxue also realized that she couldn’t grasp the meaning behind A’Dai’s actions. The little creature’s round eyes gleamed with intelligence.
“Hiss~” Master, what I mean is, if we can fight, there’s no need to waste words with those things!
Yun Qingxue frowned tightly and, after a long pause, let out a slow sigh.
From A’Dai, she hadn’t gained any useful information. The dark cave entrance before her was filled with unknown dangers.
But even knowing the risks, she had no choice but to venture in.
Her master had sent her to the Yunhuang Illusionary Realm for training. Although the landing spot was undeniably treacherous, she couldn’t just stay in this wretched cave waiting for the moment of return just because she’d been tricked, could she?!
Steeling her heart, Yun Qingxue prepared to step into the cave entrance that supposedly led outside.
But just as she lifted her foot, she paused abruptly and turned to look at A’Dai.
A’Dai blinked its round, beady eyes at her.
“A’Dai, if you use your venom on the Black Pythons, can you poison them?”
“Hiss~” Of course!
A’Dai raised its head and nodded proudly.
“Then try to take down as many as you can later!” Yun Qingxue gave A’Dai an encouraging look.
A’Dai nodded immediately, though inwardly it was troubled.
The Black Python clan had thick, tough hides. If it had to bite those big, dumb brutes, its teeth would probably suffer!
“Daisy, hold Liuli tight and stay close to me!” Yun Qingxue instructed Daisy.
Daisy nodded, and Yun Qingxue then looked down at Liuli in Daisy’s arms, stroking the little one’s smooth fur. “Liuli, your family entrusted you to me, and I will do my best to protect you. But to leave this place, we might face great danger soon. Stay close to Sister Daisy and behave, understand?”
Liuli stared at Yun Qingxue with big, dewy eyes like black grapes and let out a soft whimper, nodding obediently.
“Let’s go.” Yun Qingxue turned with a solemn expression and led the way toward the cave entrance.
Her lengthy instructions weren’t out of fear or cowardice.
It was just that this cave was home to an entire clan of Black Pythons!
Not just one or two, but an entire clan—meaning they could be facing countless fully-grown, monstrous Black Pythons at any moment!
Yun Qingxue walked ahead, this time not holding the luminous pearl for light but casting a spell to let it float in the air before her, illuminating their path.
As they walked, Yun Qingxue noticed a thick, gray mist beginning to swirl around them. The air grew damp and uncomfortable, carrying a faint, fishy stench.
The further they went, the denser the fog became, until even the luminous pearl’s glow could no longer penetrate the murky haze.
Yun Qingxue clenched her fists nervously and glanced at A’Dai perched on her shoulder.
The little creature’s round eyes gleamed with excitement and bloodlust.
Noticing Yun Qingxue’s gaze, A’Dai turned its head and flicked its tongue.
*Master, be careful. We’ve entered the territory of those despicable, dim-witted brutes!*
Yun Qingxue didn’t respond aloud, but she knew they were getting closer to the Black Python clan’s lair. The thick, gray mist surrounding them was clearly a disadvantage.
Hidden within that fog, a pair of eyes might already be watching them.
The air she breathed reeked of a foul, fishy stench.
Yun Qingxue recalled the floating luminous pearl and closed her eyes.
With her vision obscured, she had no choice but to rely on her spiritual sense to scout the surroundings.
“Who dares trespass into our territory?” Just as Yun Qingxue extended her spiritual sense, a grating, raspy voice echoed through the cave.
The voice was like a saw dragging across rotten wood—harsh and unpleasant.
Yun Qingxue felt her spiritual sense being blocked by something.
At the same time, another hideous voice chimed in, “What a delicious scent! Must be tasty!”
“Esteemed elders, we accidentally wandered into this place and must pass through your territory to leave. We humbly ask for your cooperation!” Despite sensing malice in their words, Yun Qingxue maintained courtesy.
As the saying goes, one doesn’t strike a smiling face. Given their disadvantage, avoiding conflict was preferable.
Even if a fight was inevitable, it was best to start with diplomacy.
“Heh heh…” The grating laughter echoed. “So that’s how it is. If you wish to pass, then pass!”
The response was surprisingly accommodating.
Though Yun Qingxue had never dealt with the Black Python clan before, their sudden compliance only deepened her wariness.
It wasn’t paranoia—her instincts screamed of impending danger.
Pale blue energy gathered at her fingertips.
Sure enough, after their initial agreement, the voice suddenly shifted tone.
“However, nothing in this world is free! Little ones, you may leave, but one of you must stay behind as our sacrificial meal!”
Yun Qingxue’s eyes narrowed coldly. A’Dai was right—the Black Python clan was anything but benevolent. Their first demand was to eat someone!
“Little girl, why don’t you stay? If you offer yourself, we’ll let your companions go!” The grating voice dripped with calculation.
Yun Qingxue smirked coldly, her voice icy. “What a clever scheme.”
As she spoke, the pale blue energy in her hand surged, conjuring a small whirlwind at her feet.
Like a vacuum, the whirlwind rapidly sucked in the gray mist filling the cave.
At the same time, Yun Qingxue summoned over a dozen luminous pearls to light the area. Did these Black Pythons really think she was a fool?
Their offer—to eat her and spare the others—was nothing but a trap!
They must have already identified her as the strongest combatant. Once she was gone, Daisy and Liuli would be helpless prey.
“Hmph! Rejecting our kindness and courting death! If you refuse our terms, then all of you shall become our feast!” The grating voice turned vicious.
Yun Qingxue suddenly sensed a sharp gust of wind rushing at her from the side and swiftly dodged.
A’Dai, who had been coiled on her shoulder, leaped onto Daisy’s shoulder with perfect timing. Though it longed to fight alongside its master, it understood its priority was protecting Daisy and Liuli—ensuring they didn’t become a burden.
The gray mist was quickly absorbed by Yun Qingxue’s whirlwind. With the haze gone, the luminous pearls illuminated the cave with crystal clarity.
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