Chapter 32: The Ghostly Water Cold Snake

The Ghost-Water Cold Snake grows only in certain frigid pools, usually remaining hidden beneath the water's surface.

Only when demonic beasts come to the pool to drink does the Ghost-Water Cold Snake suddenly reveal itself, lunging out to drag the beast into the water to hunt and devour it.

If one were to attempt walking across the surface of this pool to reach the island above, they would likely be swallowed alive by the Ghost-Water Cold Snake before even taking a second step.

"It seems the only way is to lure the Ghost-Water Cold Snake out and slay it. Only then will we have a chance to obtain the Imperial Phoenix Grass."

Chu Fengmian scanned his surroundings; this was the only viable option.

"Easier said than done. I wonder if you can actually pull it off," Wang He remarked from the side with a sneer.

"Shut up!"

This time, before Chu Fengmian could speak, Mo Changhen rebuked him coldly.

"Wang He, if you speak again, go back to the academy yourself. You don't need to follow us anymore."

Mo Changhen's words forced Wang He to shut his mouth obediently, not daring to say another word. If he returned now, he would have no share of the Imperial Phoenix Grass at all.

Though he fell silent, the flicker of coldness in Wang He's eyes did not escape Chu Fengmian's notice. It seemed this Wang He still had his own schemes.

"Brother Chu, how to slay the Ghost-Water Cold Snake depends mainly on you."

Seeing Wang He silenced, Mo Changhen felt somewhat relieved. At the very least, he did not want Wang He to provoke Chu Fengmian; after all, they relied primarily on Chu Fengmian to deal with the snake. They could, at most, assist from the sidelines. If Chu Fengmian left in anger, they would be left staring helplessly at the Imperial Phoenix Grass.

"Mhm."

Chu Fengmian nodded.

For the sake of his own Imperial Phoenix Grass, he would certainly give his all. A single plant was enough to facilitate the transformation of his current body.

Chu Fengmian's current physique could be described as being at the absolute bottom of the spectrum in terms of talent. Although he could use the Bone-Breaking Rebirth Technique to slowly expand his spiritual veins, compared to true geniuses, he couldn't even find the starting line. To become a true powerhouse, foundation and innate talent were paramount; therefore, he was determined to obtain this Imperial Phoenix Grass.

"Stay back a bit," Chu Fengmian said, turning around before walking toward the edge of the pool alone.

Looking down, the pool appeared a deep, dark blue, seemingly bottomless. As he approached, a wave of frigid air rushed toward him.

*Clink.*

Chu Fengmian's Azure-Black Sword quietly pierced the water, creating a ripple. He then stood by the edge, waiting.

"It's coming!"

Three breaths later, Chu Fengmian's expression suddenly turned solemn. He could feel an extremely dangerous aura rushing up rapidly from the depths of the pool.

*Boom!*

In the center of the pool, a massive figure suddenly leaped out. Seeing Chu Fengmian, the giant body opened its maw wide and lunged toward him.

"As expected, an immature Ghost-Water Cold Snake," Chu Fengmian thought to himself.

An adult Ghost-Water Cold Snake could typically grow to over ten meters in length, but the one before him was only about seven or eight meters long, having not yet fully matured. If it were an adult, Chu Fengmian feared that with his current strength, he could only flee; victory would be impossible. After all, an adult Ghost-Water Cold Snake possessed strength reaching the high stages of the Body Tempering Realm, or perhaps even the Divine Sea Realm.

However, even though it was immature, this snake had already reached the third level of the Body Tempering Realm.

"Third level of the Body Tempering Realm," Chu Fengmian muttered mentally.

While Chu Fengmian could now easily slay demonic beasts at the first level of the Body Tempering Realm, the third level was a different matter. Especially since this Ghost-Water Cold Snake was an elite among demonic beasts, its massive body possessed immense power.

"For the Imperial Phoenix Grass! I must fight!"

A look of determination appeared in Chu Fengmian's eyes. This grass was vital to him; even if there was only a sliver of hope, he had to seize it.

"Phantom Shadow!"

The moment the snake lunged, Chu Fengmian's body moved. He circulated the spiritual energy within him to its full extent, activating his Phantom Shadow movement technique to retreat hastily to the side.

*Boom!*

The snake's massive body slammed into the ground, carving out a crater five or six meters wide. Its strength was terrifying; the moment it landed, the surrounding earth trembled.

*Roar!*

As the snake emerged from the water, it brought a deluge of freezing liquid with it. As the snake moved, the water transformed into a sky of ropes, forming a massive net that pressed down on Chu Fengmian from all directions.

"Water Control Technique!"

Chu Fengmian's eyes sharpened. The Ghost-Water Cold Snake had actually mastered Water Control. Demonic beasts like this were born with noble bloodlines. For a martial artist, one had to enter the Divine Sea Realm and comprehend the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to learn such a technique, yet this immature snake was already proficient in it. It was an innate talent they possessed from birth.

"How can this Ghost-Water Cold Snake be so powerful!"

Standing nearby, Mo Changhen watched the snake's Water Control technique with disbelief. The strength of this snake was worlds apart from other Body Tempering Realm beasts like the Rock-Crag Savage Bear. With just this one Water Control technique, even a hundred Savage Bears combined would be no match for it.

"A brat from a remote land, a native! He dares to challenge a Ghost-Water Cold Snake relying only on a bit of swordsmanship and movement? Truly seeking death!"

Watching Chu Fengmian being suppressed by the water, a sinister smile appeared on Wang He's face. In his heart, he had long since forgotten Chu Fengmian's life-saving kindness; he now only wished for Chu Fengmian to die at the hands of the snake.

"Not good! Brother Chu is going to be trapped!" Hao Lan exclaimed.

Though his own strength was not great, he was a student of the Wusheng Academy and understood the power the snake was displaying. Once trapped, Chu Fengmian would suffer infinite depletion of his spiritual energy, and once exhausted, he would surely die.

"Senior Brother Mo, let's strike together to save Brother Chu!" Hao Lan said urgently, drawing his sword and preparing to charge.

"No need!"

Just as Hao Lan spoke, Chu Fengmian moved.

His figure seemed to dance lightly amidst the countless currents of water, but what followed was a torrential dance of blades. Countless sword glints descended from the sky, and the surrounding currents were all sliced apart by the edge of his blades.