Serpent Ancestor

Myriad Serpent Valley.

Every year, from April to May, countless snakes converge from all directions to gather in Myriad Serpent Valley, much like migrating birds that appear at fixed times in fixed places.

No one can explain this phenomenon.

It could be that generations of snakes have formed a natural instinct through survival and reproduction, etching it into their genes. Or perhaps there’s a special scent in Myriad Serpent Valley that attracts the snake swarms.

Myriad Serpent Valley is rich in Spiritual Qi and has birthed many rare spiritual herbs, making it a natural paradise. Hei Huang once said that if it could be transformed into a secluded cultivation retreat, it would be perfect.

…………

Outside Myriad Serpent Valley, atop a high peak.

The eldest disciple, Wu Mochou, sat cross-legged, eyes closed in deep concentration.

On the neighboring peak, the second disciple, Liu Fei, also sat cross-legged, facing Myriad Serpent Valley.

Additionally, the third disciple, Wang Ping, the fourth disciple, Su Bei, and the fifth disciple, Hua Yuntian, each sat on separate peaks, forming a faint circular formation, surrounding Myriad Serpent Valley.”Half a month has passed, and the number of snakes in the valley has exceeded two million. Is Master planning to make a breakthrough in one go?” Hua Yuntian’s heart trembled.

The five disciples seemed motionless as they surrounded the valley.

In reality, they had subtly created an invisible force field, trapping the snakes within the valley, preventing them from leaving.

Most of the snakes would leave after mating and reproducing, but this action caused the number of snakes to continuously accumulate, only entering and not exiting, now exceeding a million.

The cultivation technique of the Snake Catchers Sect required the use of snakes to aid in cultivation.

Refining snake blood and gallbladders, extracting their essence to transform into one’s own energy, required a large number of snakes.

The sect also raised many snakes, but the quantity was limited, sufficient for ordinary disciples to cultivate, but far from enough for those at the Core Formation Stage.

”This cultivation session is akin to draining the pond to catch the fish; it might take a hundred years for the snake population to recover.”

Wu Mochou sighed inwardly. He understood his master’s actions; in the face of great events, only by becoming stronger could one ensure their own safety.

The sheer number of snakes this time would not only allow Xuan Yangzi to break through but also benefit the five true disciples and many inner disciples, allowing them all to gain something.

This was a great opportunity, a great fortune!

As time passed, some inner disciples quietly arrived.

They did not approach but sat quietly at a distance to avoid disturbing the snake swarms.

The disciples scattered medicinal powder along the way, attracting hidden snake swarms into Myriad Serpent Valley, pushing the number of snakes to an unprecedented peak.

”Whoosh!”

In the distance, a middle-aged figure floated over, landing nearby, dressed in a yellow Daoist robe similar to Xuan Yangzi’s.

Upon seeing this person, the inner disciples all cupped their fists respectfully, ”Greetings, Elder Cui.”

Cui Yuan, whose cultivation had reached the Great Perfection Foundation Establishment Stage, was once Xuan Yangzi’s senior brother and had a life-and-death bond with him. However, his talent was slightly inferior, and he had not reached the Core Formation Stage.

Cui Yuan had been stuck at the Great Perfection Foundation Establishment Stage for fifty years, with half his lifespan gone. This time, he had poured all his resources into a final attempt to break through.

”This is my last chance in this life. Whether I survive depends on today.” Cui Yuan’s eyes flashed with determination.

Soon, other familiar faces at the Foundation Establishment Stage arrived one after another.

The Snake Catchers Sect was vast, with many branches. Those who came this time were all from Xuan Yangzi’s lineage or had deep ties with him.

”Two million snakes, tsk tsk, it seems like half of the Southern Region’s snakes are here.”

”Senior brother, you’re mistaken. The Southern Region is vast, and the number of snakes is countless times that of mortals. Two million is nothing.”

”I used to believe that, but now, there are fewer and fewer snakes.”

The disciples discussed among themselves.

In ancient times, demonic cultivators slaughtered cities, blood-sacrificing a hundred thousand mortals to condense blood pills, inciting the wrath of gods and men. But no one would criticize a blood sacrifice of mortal snakes.

In the blink of an eye, several more days passed.

When the number of snakes reached three million, it stopped increasing because the valley was saturated. The snakes began to die off gradually.

Whether through fighting, cannibalism, or being crushed, the number could no longer rise.

Moreover, there were no more snakes to lure in from outside; the snakes within a thousand-mile radius had almost disappeared.

”The time has come.”

Suddenly, a distant, resonant voice echoed throughout the valley.

At this moment, all five true disciples, inner disciples, elders, and stewards raised their heads in unison, looking towards the center of Myriad Serpent Valley.

In the sky, a figure in a yellow robe slowly appeared.

Xuan Yangzi, the core elder of the Snake Catchers Sect, a Core Formation Stage cultivator.

”This blood sacrifice is unprecedented in my life. Three million mortal snakes and five hundred snake demons are enough for me to break through to the mid-Core Formation Stage and for all of you to break through your bottlenecks and advance to the next level!”

With a wave of his hand, Xuan Yangzi released a large number of snake demons he had captured from various places into Myriad Serpent Valley, merging them into the snake tide.

These snake demons had been sealed by him, unable to move, like lambs to the slaughter. Their eyes were filled with anger and despair, emitting unwilling hisses.

The valley was filled with their kin, now trapped like livestock, unable to resist, only to be slaughtered one by one.

Among the snake demons, one was entirely white, but her eyes were calm.

”Everyone, step forward. How much you can absorb depends on your fortune,” Xuan Yangzi said loudly.

”Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...”

Numerous cultivators gathered, sitting cross-legged outside Myriad Serpent Valley. They took out pills they had treasured for years, planning to break through in one go, their eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.

This was the greatest opportunity since they joined the sect.

Just as everyone was about to begin the blood sacrifice.

In one corner of Myriad Serpent Valley, a thick green smoke suddenly emerged. The smoke was highly corrosive, melting soil and rocks into nothingness, accompanied by an indescribable stench that quickly spread.

”Ah!!”

Two disciples, unable to dodge in time, were engulfed by the smoke, their bodies instantly vaporized, flesh dissolving, emitting agonizing screams.

”Hmm?” Xuan Yangzi’s eyes widened. He raised his hand, capturing the spreading green smoke and confining it to a small area.

He quickly pulled the two affected disciples out, but only their skeletons remained, dead beyond saving.

Such a horrifying scene caused an uproar among the crowd.

Two inner disciples were killed right in front of a Core Formation Stage cultivator, with no time to rescue them. What was happening? Was there an unexpected turn of events?

The area corroded by the green smoke revealed a gap in the formation, allowing the snake swarm to surge out, but Xuan Yangzi sealed the gap in an instant.

Xuan Yangzi’s Divine Sense spread out, quickly locating the source of the smoke—a green pill.

He drew the pill into the air, sealing it.

”Well, well, an unexpected bonus! I can give this pill a seven out of ten!”

Xuan Yangzi’s face remained expressionless, his gaze locking onto an inconspicuous white snake below, his eyes flashing with brilliance.

With a grasp from afar, he pulled the white snake from the ground.

Various smokes emanated from the white snake’s body, causing crackling sounds in the air. Xuan Yangzi’s brows furrowed, growing more intrigued.

He took out a second-tier Spiritual Treasure and placed it on the snake. With just a touch, the treasure dissolved into nothingness.

This scene left everyone present in astonishment.

”Heh, interesting,” Xuan Yangzi said with great interest.

Hua Yuntian hesitated for a moment, unable to resist saying, ”Master, this mere Spirit Communion Stage snake demon, why trouble yourself? Let me handle it...”

”Shut up!”

Xuan Yangzi glared at him, and Hua Yuntian immediately fell silent.

Wu Mochou inwardly scoffed. Hua Yuntian had potential, but his brain often failed him, frequently saying things that left others speechless, always out of sync with everyone else.