A man surnamed Zhang, while casually passing through a valley, suddenly heard a loud noise emanating from the stone cliff. Ascending to the summit, he beheld a colossal serpent, as thick as a sea bowl, writhing and crying out amidst the dense undergrowth. Its tail thrashed relentlessly against the willow trees, snapping off branches as the great snake rolled about in uncontrolled agony, as if held fast by some unseen force, for he could discern nothing in his surroundings.

Zhang felt a profound curiosity. Mustering his courage, he approached the massive serpent for a closer look. Perched atop the snake’s head was a praying mantis, its forelegs as sharp as blades, relentlessly hacking at its prey. The giant snake struggled with all its might—shaking its head, whipping its tail, and roaring—but despite exhausting every maneuver, it remained utterly unable to break free.

As time wore on, the serpent sustained grievous injuries and finally succumbed, dying with the flesh upon its head completely shredded.