As the toxic mist spread, Zhang Yang’s expression drastically shifted. The Golden Crown Python continuously spewed the poisonous mist, which dispersed widely.

Zhang Yang knew nothing of its nature, but Lightning’s immediate warning signaled grave danger. This mist posed a significant threat even to Lightning.

If Lightning couldn't withstand it, they certainly stood no chance. “Run, quickly!” Zhang Yang couldn't afford to think further; he urged Long Feng to flee.

The mist must not be inhaled, even if they had consumed spirit medicine. The spirit medicine wouldn't help them endure the python’s poison if it couldn't even sustain Lightning.

Both men retreated simultaneously. The python had already unleashed the mist; escape was unlikely.

Its massive tail thrashed violently, not to kill, but to drive them back. The wound on the python’s tail had stopped bleeding, yet the huge, puckered scar remained vividly noticeable.

Forced into a corner, the pair could only fall back, and this time, both made contact with the toxic vapor. “Aah!” Long Feng suddenly clutched his eyes and screamed in agony.

The skin on his body rapidly turned black, and he immediately collapsed onto the ground. The toxicity of this mist was utterly terrifying.

Long Feng had only just taken the spirit medicine, yet he couldn't resist it for even this short time. Suddenly, a flicker of horror crossed Zhang Yang’s face again.

Long Feng was unconscious, yet he and Lightning remained completely unharmed; Zhang Yang felt no discomfort, even after inhaling some of the mist. Their reactions were diametrically opposed.

The giant serpent also seemed perplexed, confused as to why this little fellow, Zhang Yang, wasn't poisoned, given the immense confidence it held in its venom. “Wuying!” Zhang Yang seemed to recall something and immediately shouted the name.

Like Long Feng, he had also consumed spirit medicine. He refused to believe it was the medicine responsible.

The only difference was that he and Lightning had both been bitten by Wuying. //Fastest text update from the fan tower A small shadow instantly appeared near Zhang Yang’s feet.

Indeed, Wuying was unaffected by the poison. “Quick, bite him!” Without any hesitation, Zhang Yang urgently commanded.

Wuying glanced back, then immediately leaped onto Long Feng and bit him once. After the bite, Wuying vanished again.

It wasn't a combat spirit beast; fighting and killing were best left to others, so it preferred to keep its distance. After being bitten by Wuying, the blackness on Long Feng’s skin slowly receded.

Zhang Yang quickly grabbed his wrist, feeling a surge of relief. Long Feng was safe; the poison had been neutralized.

Even Zhang Yang hadn't anticipated Wuying’s effect would be so potent, continually bringing him surprises. Now it seemed, Wuying’s utility was no less than Lightning's, perhaps even superior.

Keeping this little one had truly been the right choice. Long Feng was cured of the poison, but he hadn't woken up.

Had Wuying bitten him earlier, he would have been fine like Zhang Yang, but it was too late; the Golden Crown Python's toxins had already taken some effect. Fortunately, he had previously consumed the Thousand-Year Ginseng Pill; without that pill to sustain him, he likely wouldn't have held out until Wuying could save him.

Placing Long Feng behind him for protection, Zhang Yang looked up at the still-coiled Golden Crown Python. The serpent was supremely confident in its mist, but the fact that Zhang Yang and Lightning stood alive and well left it deeply puzzled.

It never considered that another spirit beast, the Treasure-Seeking Rat, was present. The Treasure-Seeking Rat had consumed so many treasures that their essence coalesced into an antidote elixir, which it had subsequently bitten.

Therefore, it could naturally resist the poison. “Lightning, watch Long Feng!” Zhang Yang snatched the short knife and charged forward rapidly.

The serpent’s momentary stupefaction was a rare opportunity. Injecting his inner energy into the short blade, Zhang Yang swung down fiercely, aiming directly at the python’s body.

The knife sliced through the scales, and Zhang Yang successfully wounded the Golden Crown Python with this first strike. “Hiss!

Hiss!” The Golden Crown Python emitted several more screeches. Being wounded again by Zhang Yang roused it from its daze.

It roared in furious indignation, constantly spewing mist and sweeping its tail toward him. The mist was useless against Zhang Yang, and he had nearly mapped out the patterns of its tail attacks.

Zhang Yang parried the first blow and deftly avoided it, then immediately spun back to slash it again. Landing two successful strikes in quick succession boosted Zhang Yang’s confidence considerably.

“Hiss! Hiss!” The Golden Crown Python wailed in pain and became even more frenzied, its entire body shaking constantly.

By now, all the large trees surrounding them had been swept down by the giant serpent. Its movements were violent, but Zhang Yang remained agile, finding openings to land another blow.

After several consecutive cuts, the python’s frenzy began to subside slightly. By this point, not only were Zhang Yang and his ally exhausted, but the serpent was too.

Moreover, it was forcefully suppressing the poison it had already sustained. Even the venom from the Fox-Tail Marten was something it dared not underestimate; it could only suppress it temporarily, planning to deal with it later.

With its current violent movements and high energy expenditure, it was nearing its limit to keep the toxins contained. “Roar!” With a massive bellow, the Golden Crown Python suddenly twisted and bolted toward the depths of the forest.

After fighting this long, it was attempting to flee. Zhang Yang froze momentarily, then immediately gave chase.

This creature could not be allowed to escape. Spirit beasts were intelligent and held grudges far longer than ordinary wild animals.

If it escaped and recovered, seeking revenge later would cause endless trouble. Even if it left this area, the Golden Crown Python could still find the small town.

Should that happen, it would spell utter disaster for the townspeople. For either reason, Zhang Yang absolutely could not let it retreat.

Zhang Yang suddenly stopped. He spotted the hunting rifle he had dropped earlier, snatched it up, and then resumed the pursuit.

The Golden Crown Python’s body was simply too massive; even if it intended to run, it couldn't outpace Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang caught up and dealt it several more cuts.

Blood flowed continuously from its wounds; relying on blood loss alone, Zhang Yang could exhaust it to death. Seeing that escape was futile, the Golden Crown Python erupted in final desperation.

It turned back, its huge, blood-soaked maw gaping wide, lunging directly at Zhang Yang. Utilizing his nimble footwork, Zhang Yang evaded its series of attacks.

With continuous energy depletion, coupled with the spreading effects of the poison, the Golden Crown Python began to feel sluggish and its awareness blurred. This made the offense even easier for Zhang Yang.

In just a few moments, he inflicted more than a dozen new wounds upon it. Thud!

The giant serpent head of the Golden Crown Python finally crashed onto the ground, its eyes staring fixedly at Zhang Yang, its mouth opening slightly a few times. After twitching its jaw a few more times, the Golden Crown Python stilled completely, and its eyes closed.

Finally disposing of the huge creature, Zhang Yang allowed himself a small sigh of relief, slumping onto the ground. He used the hunting rifle like a staff to prop himself up.

Battling this Golden Crown Python had been both mentally and physically draining—the strongest and largest adversary Zhang Yang had faced in both his lifetimes. Even the fight with the Fox-Tail Marten hadn't worn him out this much.

Just as he relaxed, the motionless Golden Crown Python on the ground suddenly moved again. Its head lifted, its wide mouth aiming directly at the resting Zhang Yang.

This was the moment Zhang Yang was most relaxed mentally and the most unguarded. ………… Too tired, can barely hold on.

Today’s minimum second chapter will be slightly shorter; the next chapter will make up the difference with four thousand words!