Volume One – The Frontier of Chen, The Rebellious Marquis and the Immortal Path Chapter 46 – Snatching the Fruit Beneath the Python

But while Jing Zhe remained deeply concerned, Xue Han analyzed the situation with a hint of nonchalance, saying, “That crimson-crowned python has only half-swallowed the other giant serpent; it’s right in the midst of digestion and must be using most of its strength for that. Its movements will surely become sluggish, and perhaps that’s our only chance.”

“Even so, that thing isn’t something we can handle,” Jing Zhe replied, worry still etched across his face.

“Fortune favors the bold, isn’t that what you both said?” Xue Han scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re losing your nerve now.”

“How is that fortune? It’s simply courting death! You lunatic.” Jing Zhe shot back, exasperated. “Third Brother, let’s just go! Don’t be reckless with this fool.”

But Chen Yu, listening to Xue Han’s reasoning, felt a spark of hope. “Second Brother isn’t completely wrong. Maybe… maybe we really could try.”

“You’ve lost your mind too?” Jing Zhe groaned, his face twisting with distress.

Chen Yu continued, “In any case, I think it’s worth a shot. But let’s wait a bit longer. Once the python has swallowed the other serpent entirely, then we’ll make our move.”

Xue Han nodded in agreement. Seeing he could not persuade the other two, Jing Zhe could only steel himself to follow them, risking his life for the sake of brotherhood.

In just half an hour, the monstrous python—more than thirty feet long—had consumed its kin. Its enormous body swelled visibly, and with a look of utter contentment, it sank into deep slumber.

At the sight, the three men tensed, their nerves stretched taut.

“It’s time,” Chen Yu whispered. He directed Xue Han and Jing Zhe to keep watch from the shadows, while he himself crept toward the sleeping serpent, for he possessed the most agile movements among them. None dared to even breathe loudly.

Chen Yu swallowed hard, his legs trembling, casting anxious glances at the python, terrified it might awaken. Outside, Xue Han and Jing Zhe’s hearts pounded in their throats, their palms slick with sweat.

Step by cautious step, Chen Yu drew closer.

At last, he reached the python’s side. With a single bound, he leapt more than ten feet high, landed lightly on the serpent’s back, and sprang upward again.

But just then, the slumbering python shifted abruptly, draining the color from Chen Yu’s face. He pressed himself flat against its scaly body, not daring to move a muscle.

Fortunately, the python did not fully awaken. After a long, tense moment, Chen Yu once again employed his light-footed skill, swiftly reaching the raised crest of the serpent’s back.

Here, he could see the herb clearly.

Its leaves were sharp and rounded at the tips, red vines clinging to the wood, five finger-sized berries dangling from its stem. Of those, three had ripened from green to red. A faint fragrance drifted forth, sending a shiver of excitement through Chen Yu’s very pores.

Chen Yu, nervous but determined, reached out to pluck the berries when suddenly a chill of warning seized his heart. He turned—and saw the crimson-crowned python, head raised, tongue flicking, staring at him with icy menace.

Chen Yu forced a sheepish smile, raising his hands slightly and murmuring, “Just kidding, just kidding…”

With a hiss, the python opened its jaws wide and lunged at him.

But at that very moment, Xue Han and Jing Zhe hurled two massive rocks at the serpent from behind. Sensing danger, the python hissed furiously, its body writhing. It shoved Chen Yu aside and lashed its tail, reducing the rocks to powder.

“Third Brother, run!” Jing Zhe shouted. He and Xue Han pressed the attack, desperately trying to buy Chen Yu time.

Tumbled to the ground, Chen Yu immediately sprang up, dodging the serpent’s onslaught while keeping an eye on his companions. Not far away lay the spirit herb; unwilling to give up, he gritted his teeth, muttering, “Here goes nothing.”

He darted and weaved beneath the serpent’s lashing tail, drawing ever closer to the herb. Jing Zhe and Xue Han, realizing his intent, intensified their assault on the python.

“You’re all maniacs!” Jing Zhe cursed through gritted teeth.

By now, the crimson-crowned python had sensed Chen Yu’s goal. With a furious roar, it flung Jing Zhe and Xue Han aside and lunged at Chen Yu. Yet, having not fully digested its last meal, its movements were noticeably sluggish. At that moment, Chen Yu snatched up the spirit herb in one swift motion.

The python’s rage was boundless, its eyes bloodshot as if Chen Yu had murdered its offspring. With a sweep of its massive tail, Chen Yu was sent flying, blood spraying from his mouth.

“Third Brother!” Jing Zhe and Xue Han shouted, rushing to his aid. But Chen Yu, tumbling through the underbrush, shot them a grim look, then fixed his gaze on the charging serpent and spat, “Want the herb? Go find it yourself.”

With that, he hurled the spirit herb far away and bolted in the opposite direction.

The python didn’t hesitate. With a thunderous roar, it turned and slithered after the herb.

“Run!” Chen Yu called out to his companions, wasting no more time on words.

The three of them fled at breakneck speed, scrambling over ridge after ridge, not daring to stop until the serpent’s roars faded and the mountain was out of sight.

“Is everyone all right?” they called out in unison.

“Whew… nearly lost my life back there. Never again, I swear,” Jing Zhe said, still shaken.

“Ah, to think we came away empty-handed after all,” Xue Han sighed with regret.

“Third Brother nearly died, and you’re still pining for that herb?” Jing Zhe grumbled.

Xue Han scratched his head sheepishly. “That’s not what I meant…”

“Enough. From now on, no more reckless stunts like this. Our lives matter more,” Jing Zhe said solemnly.

Chen Yu and Xue Han both nodded in silent agreement.

But then Chen Yu couldn’t help but smile. He drew three berries from his robe and said, “Actually, it wasn’t a total loss this time.”

“What’s that?” The other two leaned in, drawn by the subtle fragrance.

“They’re from the spirit herb.”

“Then what did you throw away?”

“There were two left—still green,” Chen Yu explained.

Jing Zhe and Xue Han exchanged glances, then burst out laughing. “Well done!”

Each took a berry, turning it over in their hands.

“How do we use this?” one asked.

“Just eat it!” Jing Zhe replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Are you sure that’s safe?” Chen Yu asked with a wry smile. “This is a spirit herb from the Severed Heavens Mountains. Even the python was cautious. We can’t be so reckless.”

“Then do you have any better ideas?” Jing Zhe retorted, and with that, he swallowed his berry.

The other two watched him intently, not daring to blink.