The Poison Empress Returns' face had lost all color. She had never intended to bring back such a large bamboo viper. Her original plan was to find just any bamboo viper and lure it back for the Sect Master. But unexpectedly, the moment she went out, she ran into the Bamboo Viper King!
And this Viper King, having captured her, refused to let go, looking as if it wanted to eat her to replenish its strength. She was no match for it, and her only option was to bring the Bamboo Viper King back to the Sect Master. She had no other choice; on her own, she had no way to deal with the Bamboo Viper King and would only become its meal. Bringing it to the Sect Master might offer a glimmer of hope!
"This was a coincidence. I didn't intend to provoke the Bamboo Viper King; I was just unlucky and happened to run into it. Fortunately, the Sect Master is powerful, and the Bamboo Viper King was no match for him, or my life would have been forfeit. Right, later, if the Sect Master intends to kill me, please help me stop him."
"Now you're scared? If you're scared, you still dare to bring it to the Sect Master? Don't you know the Sect Master is even more terrifying than the poisons of Yangming Valley?" Xi Wen sighed. It was fortunate the Sect Master was so capable; if it were anyone else, they might have become the Bamboo Viper King's lunch. Even if the Poison Mistress didn't mean to, bringing danger to the Sect Master was a form of betrayal. He didn't know how the Sect Master would deal with the Poison Mistress in the end. Based on his understanding of human nature, the Sect Master would likely not let her off easily. If he set such a precedent, wouldn't everyone be allowed to bring danger to the Sect Master at will?
Seeing Xiao Man relentlessly pursuing it, the Bamboo Viper King initially wanted to use its poisonous creatures to block Xiao Man. However, it discovered that those poisonous creatures had already hidden themselves, terrified. And this terrifying human emanating from her body exuded an aura that made it fearful. What it feared was not the dagger in her hand, but the blood staining the dagger!
The Bamboo Viper King regretted coming out. It had been in the Dragon Spirit Bamboo Forest for many years and had finally achieved its current cultivation. That one slash to its tail had nearly cost it its life. If this human's next blow struck its vulnerable spot, it would surely die. Its current achievements were not only due to years of arduous cultivation but also the spiritual marrow from the Dragon Spirit Bamboo that had provided it with excellent nourishment. If it died here, it would remain a snake for its entire life and never become a dragon!
Xiao Man pursued unhurriedly. She knew this snake had gained sentience and might even understand her words. As she chased, she used words to try and unsettle the Bamboo Viper King.
"Snakes cultivate upwards to become serpents, then flood dragons, and finally dragons. Each advancement requires immense spiritual energy. However, this land is devoid of spiritual energy. Judging by your size, you must have cultivated for many years. Even with the Dragon Spirit Bamboo providing nourishment, you still cannot transform into a serpent. To become a dragon would be as difficult as climbing to heaven. Don't you want to leave this place and go to a land rich in spiritual energy to transform into a dragon?" Su Dan Novel Network
The Bamboo Viper King certainly wished to transform into a dragon. But in this land devoid of spiritual energy, only Yangming Valley possessed spiritual energy and the rare treasure, Dragon Spirit Bamboo. Yet, it couldn't even leave Yangming Valley, so how could it transform into a dragon?
"I can help you leave this place," Xiao Man's tone was calm, as if discussing a trivial matter.
The Bamboo Viper King stopped, showing its excitement. However, the aura emanating from Xiao Man, and the suppression of venomous creatures from her bloodline, still made it want to flee.
"You can truly help me leave this place?" The Bamboo Viper King actually spoke!
Xiao Man was inwardly delighted but showed no outward surprise. Indeed, this Bamboo Viper King had gained sentience; it was not only intelligent but could also speak human language.
"Absolutely true."
"How will you take me away from here?" the Bamboo Viper King asked guardedly. Humans were the most cunning. On the surface, they might say they could help it leave, but in their hearts, they might be plotting to use it to obtain the Dragon Spirit Bamboo and then kill it. "How do I know you're not trying to use me to get the Dragon Spirit Bamboo?"
"If I wanted the Dragon Spirit Bamboo, why would I need to use you?" Xiao Man looked towards the distant Dragon Spirit Bamboo Forest and walked in.
The Bamboo Viper King watched as Xiao Man entered the Dragon Spirit Bamboo Forest as if no one were there, utterly stunned. Normally, the praying mantises guarding the Dragon Spirit Bamboo would ferociously attack any living creature that approached. But here, all the praying mantises seemed to regard her as a natural enemy, cowering and hiding without a trace.
"Who exactly are you?"
"Someone who can help you leave Yangming Valley and reach a broader world." Xiao Man turned around and looked at the Bamboo Viper King. "Although there is much Dragon Spirit Bamboo here, it cannot provide the spiritual energy for you to transform into a serpent."
"Human, who exactly are you?"
"When you become my contracted beast, you will know who I am."
The Bamboo Viper King's pupils contracted sharply upon hearing this. This human in front of it was too weak. If not for the suppression of her bloodline, it would have been more than a match for her.
"You have only two options: one, become my contracted beast; two, die." Xiao Man's voice was steady, without any hesitation, as if she were not threatening but having a friendly discussion.
The Bamboo Viper King weighed its options. It was no match for the human before it and could not leave Yangming Valley. If this human could truly help it escape Yangming Valley, it would be a good thing!
"If I become your contracted beast, can you help me leave Yangming Valley?"
"Yes."
A flicker of calculation flashed in the Bamboo Viper King's eyes. This human was of low strength yet wanted to take it as a contracted beast. She likely didn't know the rules of contract beasts – the strong prevail, and during the contracting process, the stronger party could choose to be the master.
"A contract is not impossible, but I need to know what you possess that can suppress me?"
Xiao Man raised her hand and cut her finger. Blood welled up. The Bamboo Viper King once again felt the pressure of the bloodline, a feeling that made it tremble. Indeed, there was something wrong with this person's blood. Could it be that this person, outwardly human, was actually a fierce beast?
"You're not human, are you?"
"I am human." Xiao Man extended her hand towards the Bamboo Viper King. The Bamboo Viper King instinctively wanted to flee but dared not. The temptation of transforming into a dragon made it unable to escape.
"Deal." The Bamboo Viper King slithered to Xiao Man's side and lowered its head. Xiao Man's blood dripped onto the Bamboo Viper King's forehead. Xiao Man did not miss the calculation in the Bamboo Viper King's eyes, but her face showed nothing. She had been scheming since she was three years old; how could she be afraid of a snake!
Xiao Man did not know the method of contracting, but the Bamboo Viper King did. The Bamboo Viper King had intended to take the lead, but as soon as Xiao Man's blood entered its body, it immediately took control, causing chaos in its mind. It didn't even have time to complete the contract before a beam of light shot from Xiao Man's forehead. When the pain subsided, the contract was complete, and Xiao Man had become its master!