Soul Emperor Martial God

Chapter 43: Chapter 42: Breakthrough on the Eve of Battle

Actually, when the Silver-Backed Demon Python appeared, Xiao Yi instantly understood.

In the world of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, some peculiar Spirit Fruits and Spirit Flowers are always guarded by demon beasts.

Moreover, demon beasts often guard them for many years, until those Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures mature and can be swallowed whole.

And often, for a demon beast to wait so long, it must mean that the Heavenly Material or Earthly Treasure has great significance for it.

For human martial artists, the Demon Blood Flame Heart Fruit has the effect of refining their meridians and enhancing their cultivation; but for demon beasts, it has the effect of advancing their bloodline.

If Xiao Yi was not mistaken, the Silver-Backed Demon Python wanted to use the Demon Blood Flame Heart Fruit to advance into a Golden-Backed Spirit Python.

The Golden-Backed Spirit Python, being a Third-level Peak Demon Beast, would at least require a Mysterious Profundity Realm Warrior to subdue it.

But at this moment, seeing the three Demon Blood Flame Heart Fruits it had guarded for many years being picked by a human, the Silver-Backed Demon Python instantly flew into a rage.

As luck would have it, Murong Qianjun, after picking the Spirit Fruits, unexpectedly ran straight in Xiao Yi’s direction.

”Bastard,” Xiao Jing exclaimed in surprise and anger.

Xiao Yi’s expression changed too, as Murong Qianjun’s actions would make the Silver-Backed Demon Python think they were in cahoots.

As expected, the Silver-Backed Demon Python immediately launched a furious attack on Xiao Jing and Xiao Yi, while also planning to block the path ahead to prevent Murong Qianjun from escaping.

But Murong Qianjun, who was prepared from the start, moved with incredible speed, leapt past Xiao Jing and Xiao Yi, and then fled further into the distance.

”Stop him,” the scouts shouted in unison.

However, the strongest among them was only a Postnatal First Layer vice-captain, and the rest were at Mortal Realm Ninth Layer; Xiao Zhuang and Xiao Zimu were even less capable.

A group effort was thwarted by a single palm strike from Murong Qianjun, leaving them to only watch helplessly as he leapt by them.

”Forget him, run,” Xiao Yi shouted, urging Xiao Zhuang and the others to flee immediately.

He certainly did not believe that his group could withstand the furious Silver-Backed Demon Python for long.

Xiao Zhuang and the scouts also realized this, turning to run immediately.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jing and Xiao Yi were also running fast, with the Silver-Backed Demon Python relentlessly pursuing them from behind.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python was a Third-level Demon Beast, its strength comparable to an Innate First Layer Martial Artist. It had a massive body, astonishing strength, and extremely high defense—the only downside was its lack of speed.

Coupled with the dense forest’s great trees, which severely limited the movement of its huge body.

Unless something unexpected happened, Xiao Yi and the others should have no problem escaping.

But just at that moment, more than a dozen figures suddenly leaped out from where Murong Qianjun was escaping.

These people, all wielding blades and with fierce grins on their faces, released more than a dozen Sword Energies that flew through the air towards Xiao Yi and the others.

”Damn it, Iron Blade, you dare?” Xiao Jing roared.

The group of people in front turned out to be from the Iron Blade Demon Hunting Team, and their captain, Iron Blade, a Postnatal Sixth Layer Martial Artist, was also there.

Under normal circumstances, Xiao Jing and the scouts would naturally not fear them.

But under the current situation, these sharp Sword Energies put Xiao Jing and the others in great trouble.

Xiao Zhuang and others who were running ahead were forced to stop.

Xiao Yi and Xiao Jing leaped up to block the Sword Energies, but were forced to pause momentarily.

That momentary pause allowed the Silver-Backed Demon Python following them to catch up. Plus, this time, the Silver-Backed Demon Python was evidently more clever, quickly blocking their escape route with its huge, thick body.

At this, Murong Qianjun and the people from the Iron Blade Demon Hunting Team quickly left the scene.

”Hahahaha, you fools from the Xiao Family, all die here,” a wild laugh from Murong Qianjun echoed from ahead.

”Despicable,” Xiao Jing yelled furiously.

”Murong Qianjun, after this, I’ll stop at nothing to finish you,” Xiao Yi coldly shouted, his face full of murderous intent.

”Still so arrogant even in the face of death. First, see if you have the life to leave this place,” the voice of Murong Qianjun turned faint, clearly showing he had escaped far away.

”Hiss, hiss,” the deadly hissing of the Silver-Backed Demon Python’s tongue quickly flickered in and out, signifying its intense killing intent towards the humans in front of it.

It had painstakingly guarded its Demon Blood Flame Heart Fruits for many years, only for them to be stolen by those detestable humans, and its fury reached a boiling point.

The one responsible had already escaped far away. It could only vent its anger on the ’accomplices’ of that human.

”Damn it,” Xiao Jing muttered angrily, his face full of guilt.

”If it wasn’t for my impulsiveness, if I had listened to you, Young Master, we wouldn’t be in this predicament now, nor would we have let Murong Qianjun and his gang of bastards succeed.”

Xiao Jing now realized he had fallen for Murong Qianjun’s scheme and had placed Xiao Yi and the others in danger.

At that moment, the thick body of the Silver-Backed Demon Python fiercely slammed down.

”Watch out,” Xiao Jing and Xiao Yi shouted simultaneously, both retreating.

With a boom, the python’s body struck the ground, creating a huge hole.

”Hiss,” both men gasped in shock. If that strike had hit them, they would have been either dead or seriously injured.

”Young Master, you go first. I’ll stop it,” Xiao Jing said quickly, positioning himself in front of Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi yelled, ”Don’t talk nonsense. We came here together, and we will leave together.”

Just then, the terrible body of the python struck again.

”Young Master, go quickly. We’re no match for it. I’ll draw its attention,” Xiao Jing pushed Xiao Yi away and faced the Silver-Backed Demon Python alone.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python had blocked the way, its strength comparable to an Innate Martial Artist. Below the Innate level, no one could break through its defense.

If it wasn’t lured away, no one could escape.

Simultaneously, Xiao Zhuang, Xiao Zimu, and the scouts also followed suit, rushing towards Xiao Jing.

After Xiao Yi steadied himself, he shouted urgently, ”What are you doing? Come back!”

Xiao Zhuang and the others’ movements immediately drew the attention of the Silver-Backed Demon Python, and it moved its massive body to chase after them.

”Young Master, you run first; we’ll hold off the demon python.” Xiao Zhuang and the others shouted, their voices devoid of any hesitation.

With a thunderous boom, the tail struck, and Xiao Jing along with Xiao Zhuang and the others were instantly sent flying.

”Ugh...” Everyone spat out blood in an instant, their faces pale, clearly suffering severe injuries.

The formidable Postnatal Seventh Layer Martial Artist, along with a group of martial artists, couldn’t even withstand a single hit from the Silver-Backed Demon Python.

Xiao Yi immediately considered rescuing them.

Xiao Jing, enduring his injuries, shouted, ”Young Master, run fast; don’t let our deaths be in vain.”

”Damn it, I don’t owe you guys any favors.” Xiao Yi shouted out loud, not stopping his steps.

At this moment, another attack from the serpent’s body came.

The expressions of Xiao Jing and the others changed. They immediately leaped forward and grabbed onto the tail. Xiao Zhuang and Xiao Zimu did the same.

”Young Master, you are the Xiao Family’s only hope for the next generation; you cannot fail,” Xiao Jing forcefully held onto the tail, urgently speaking.

”Young Master, without us, the Xiao Family is still the Xiao Family. But without you, the future of the Xiao Family is in peril,” Xiao Zhuang and the others also struggled to hold onto the tail.

”You guys...” Xiao Yi was choked up. He looked at Xiao Jing, Xiao Zhuang, and the others’ readiness to face death and their determination to help him escape at all costs, feeling for the first time an overwhelming sense of allegiance to the clan and acceptance of these family members.

Boom, while he was stunned for a moment, Xiao Jing and the others had already been batted away by the tail, each coughing up blood in great mouthfuls before finally passing out.

”Hiss hiss hiss.” The Silver-Backed Demon Python’s terrifying hiss continued as the tail coiled, preparing to crush Xiao Jing and the others to death.

Already unconscious, Xiao Jing and the others would undoubtedly die if struck by the tail.

”Fire Devouring Hundred Blades,” Xiao Yi didn’t hesitate, he acted instantly.

He had no chance of winning, but he wanted to do his best.

The Fire Blades struck heavily against the serpent’s body, erupting with a loud explosion. However, the Silver-Backed Demon Python was completely unharmed.

”You fiend, look this way,” Xiao Yi shouted, releasing another Fire Blade.

Boom, the Fire Blade hit the Silver-Backed Demon Python’s eyes, which were its most vulnerable spot.

The blade exploded, but, only some skin peeled from the Silver-Backed Demon Python’s eyes.

Of course, although it wasn’t injured, its eye was still pained.

”Hiss roar,” the Silver-Backed Demon Python let out a pained call.

It was already in a state of rage, and now Xiao Yi had provoked the violent nature of the demon beast.

A maddened demon beast is extremely terrifying.

It immediately stopped pursuing the unconscious Xiao Jing and the others, chasing after Xiao Yi instead.

Rising Dragon, Leopard Form.

Xiao Yi instantly used Rising Dragon to boost his cultivation to the Postnatal Third Layer. Then, with the Ice and Fire Qi Pill stirring his True Qi, he also activated Leopard Form, pushing his speed to the limit.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python was slow, but that was in comparison to Third-level Demon Beasts and Innate Martial Artists.

Compared to a Postnatal Martial Artist, it was still much faster.

Xiao Yi dared not slacken his pace, continuing to run while releasing the Fire Devouring Hundred Blades.

Blade after blade was thrown, but they couldn’t even break the Silver-Backed Demon Python’s skin, serving only to further enrage it, and having no other effect.

”This fiend is thick-skinned; I can’t do any damage,” Xiao Yi thought anxiously, trying everything he could to rescue Xiao Jing and the others.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python chased furiously, destroying all trees in its path in its anger, but it was moving away from the unconscious Xiao Jing and the others.

Xiao Yi looked at the terrifying display of destructive power and knew that if he was hit, he would either die or be severely maimed.

Inevitably, the Silver-Backed Demon Python was faster than Xiao Yi and gradually caught up to him.

Whoosh, Xiao Yi reacted swiftly, instantly vanishing from the spot, turning to jump onto the serpent’s back.

”Tiger Form,” Xiao Yi punched heavily.

Bang, the serpent’s back was completely undamaged; instead, Xiao Yi felt his arms go numb from the recoil.

”Hiss.” The Silver-Backed Demon Python twisted its body, and the tail flipped over, aiming for Xiao Yi.

”Snake Formation,” Xiao Yi’s body twisted oddly, narrowly evading the tail’s strike.

”Snap.”

Xiao Yi swallowed a gulp of saliva, secretly relieved he had dodged.

The battle suddenly became a deadlock.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python possessed immense strength and an incredibly tough defense, but it lacked the speed commensurate with the Innate Realm.

Taking advantage of various strengths, Xiao Yi was fast, but his attacks didn’t harm the demon python at all.

Overall, Xiao Yi was still at a disadvantage.

The Silver-Backed Demon Python could tolerate being attacked with no issue, but if Xiao Yi was hit even once, he would be utterly defeated.

Xiao Yi’s nerves were strained to the limit; he dared not let up, constantly moving about, occasionally releasing martial techniques to attack.

Gradually, under such high-intensity combat, Xiao Yi’s body erupted with a momentum.

He had a breakthrough, his cultivation surged from Postnatal First Layer to Postnatal Second Layer, and with the enhancement from Rising Dragon, his strength reached Postnatal Fourth Layer.

At the same time, he had an idea, and the second form of Fire Devouring Hundred Blades was also successfully gathered.

But he had no joy; his nerves were still tightly wound.

”I hope this breakthrough is useful at this time,” Xiao Yi thought to himself, as he launched two Fire Blades at once, striking at the Silver-Backed Demon Python.