A man in the martial world, a reincarnated sword immortal.

Chapter 63: Ascetic Training in Snake Valley!

"A strange serpent with fleshy horns on its head, a golden glow on its body, and moving like the wind..."

Zhang Erniu was slightly taken aback when he heard this.

Then, he asked Zhong Yuan a question.

"I have indeed seen the strange snake that you are looking for, but it is a strange snake, and it is hidden in the Snake Valley."

"I don't dare to go there on ordinary days."

Upon hearing that there was hope, Zhong Yuan immediately asked, "Snake Valley?"

"So, you not only saw that strange snake, but you also went to the vicinity of that snake valley."

Zhang Erniu's face was somewhat somber as he said, "My third uncle took me there twice before he passed away."

"In that Snake Valley, there are many strange snakes. These snakes are very strong and fast."

"One of them is worth at least ten ordinary wild snakes."

"I haven't been there since my third uncle passed away."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuan nodded slightly. It was truly a case of finding something without even looking for it.

He took out five taels of silver from his pocket and placed it in front of Zhang Erniu.

"Two Niu Brothers."

"Take me to that Snake Valley."

"Once you find Snake Valley, these five taels of silver are yours."

When Zhang Erniu saw the five taels of silver, the hesitation on his face vanished instantly.

Five taels of silver is no small sum.

Five taels of silver could support a family of five for at least a year's basic food needs.

He usually catches snakes and delivers them to restaurants in Xiangyang City, but he can't earn this much.

However, he still asked to confirm.

"My lord."

"There are plenty of venomous snakes around that Snake Valley."

"There's also a giant python, it's incredibly powerful."

"Are you really going?"

Zhong Yuan placed the White Rainbow Sword, which was leaning against the table leg, onto the table and said, "Don't worry, I still have some skills."

Seeing Zhong Yuan's posture, Zhang Erniu didn't say much and simply led the way.

The two left Xiangyang City and headed northwest, entering the mountains and forests.

The afternoon sun shone through the woods, and the further into the mountains you went, the fewer houses there were.

However, you can still occasionally see some mountain dwellings.

As Zhang Erniu walked, he said to Zhong Yuan, "My lord."

"If you go further into the mountains, there really aren't many houses left."

"There are many wild animals in the mountains."

"It's not just wild snakes, but also large insects like tigers and leopards."

"My lord, it would be best to be careful."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Yuan smiled faintly.

"Brother Erniu, it's alright, just lead the way."

Seeing this, Zhang Erniu did not hesitate and quickened his pace.

It was still early, and he wouldn't dare go into the mountains any later.

After all, if they encountered wild beasts like tigers on their way back after nightfall, things would get really bad.

The two then traveled several more miles through the mountains.

At this time.

Zhong Yuan could faintly hear the rumbling sound of water coming from not far away, and it never stopped.

Moreover, the further you went in that direction, the louder the sound became, clearly the sound of extremely loud water.

This reminded Zhong Yuan of the sound of the waves he heard at the bottom of the Sword Lake Palace.

After hearing the sound of water.

Zhang Erniu's expression grew increasingly solemn, and he said, "My lord."

"After passing the mountain stream ahead, Snake Valley is not far away."

"I can only take you across the mountain stream before heading to Snake Valley. I'm afraid of disturbing that giant python."

Chung Yuan was not surprised but rather pleased.

He slapped the five taels of silver into Zhang Erniu's hand and said to Zhang Erniu, "Brother Erniu."

"The money is yours."

"If you're worried, you can leave now."

Seeing this, Zhang Erniu's face flashed with a look of struggle, and then he said, "My lord."

"I'll escort you across the stream."

immediately.

The two walked quickly forward.

Not long after.

A mountain gorge appeared before them.

The sound of the water was deafening. A waterfall, like a great white dragon, cascaded down between the mountain peaks and rushed into a stream. It was turbulent and thunderous, carrying branches and stones that disappeared into the distance in the blink of an eye.

The surrounding area was shrouded in mist, a truly spectacular sight.

In the stream, beneath the waterfall, there is a huge rock. The waterfall cascades down relentlessly, washing over the rock.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Yuan suddenly thought of Yang Guo after he lost his arm and re-entered the Sword Tomb, where he practiced swordsmanship under the waterfall with the help of the Condor Heroes.

The waterfall's force is immense; even those with high internal strength find it difficult to stand beneath it for long.

If I were to cultivate here, it would surely be of great benefit to the growth of my internal strength and the improvement of my swordsmanship.

It seems.

Snake Valley is nearby.

At this time.

Then Zhang Erniu said, "Sir, turn out of this ravine and go northeast for less than three miles, and you will reach Snake Valley."

"I'll see you off here, sir."

Zhong Yuan nodded slightly, indicating that Zhang Erniu could leave.

Seeing Zhong Yuan's confident and daring demeanor, Zhang Erniu took two steps, then turned back and handed Zhong Yuan a plaster of Five Poisons Divine Ointment.

"My lord, this Five Poison Divine Ointment is made by mixing aconite, pepper, angelica, and lard."

"Although it can't cure snake venom, the scent can still repel some wild snakes."

"My lord, please be very careful."

Seeing this, Zhong Yuan laughed and said, "Brother Erniu, go ahead without worry."

"Even the giant python of Snake Valley would have to hide obediently when it sees me."

Zhang Erniu nodded slightly, his face showing confusion, but he still left as quickly as possible.

After seeing Zhang Erniu leave, Zhong Yuan glanced at the mountain stream and headed in the direction Zhang Erniu had pointed.

Not long after.

Sure enough, a valley appeared ahead.

The valley was surrounded by lush grass, giving it a sense of quiet seclusion.

Zhong Yuan was about to head into the valley.

At this time.

All that could be heard was a rustling sound coming from ahead.

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow and drew his White Rainbow Sword.

Suddenly, six brightly colored venomous snakes shot out from the grass at the mouth of the valley.

Like an arrow released from a bow, it shot towards Zhong Yuan.

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow, swept his sword, and unleashed [Moon Slash].

The six brightly colored venomous snakes died instantly, broken into several pieces.

Zhong Yuan didn't waste any time. He stepped forward, cut open the snake's belly, and took out the gallbladders of all six venomous snakes.

Although there was a fishy smell, Zhong Yuan didn't mind and threw the snake gallbladders into the medicine bag.

Continue walking into the valley.

We had just entered the valley.

A loud whooshing sound was heard.

On the opposite tree, hanging upside down, was a giant python with a triangular head, as thick as a bowl.

As soon as the triangular-headed python appeared, a very strong, foul stench emanated from it.

Zhong Yuan looked again and saw that in the valley, among the forests and rocks, there were colorful venomous snakes everywhere.

It moved swiftly in the dim sunlight, its body seemingly shimmering with golden light.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Yuan was overjoyed.

Good guy.

No wonder this valley is now called Snake Valley.

It turned out to be the lair of these pythons.

Now, we've finally found a good place.

Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow and glanced at the giant triangular-headed python.

The triangular-headed python seemed to sense the provocation from Zhong Yuan.

He immediately pounced on Zhong Yuan.

Zhong Yuan didn't hold back either. He transformed himself and unleashed the [Flying Dragon in the Sky] technique, directly slashing at the seven-inch mark of the triangular-headed giant python.

Zhong Yuan showed no mercy, unleashing the "Return to Origin" technique, which unleashed a surge of sword energy.

The giant triangular-headed python's seven-inch spot was immediately blasted open.

The triangular-headed python fell directly from the tree.

Upon seeing this, the colorful venomous snakes around them all retreated.

Zhong Yuan stepped forward, cut open the snake's abdomen, and took out its gallbladder.

The gallbladder of that triangular-headed python was significantly larger than the gallbladders of the other venomous snakes; it was a deep purple sphere.

Moreover, it has a stronger fishy smell.

Zhong Yuan left Snake Valley and headed towards the mountain stream.

Before long, Zhong Yuan arrived at the mountain stream where the waterfall cascaded down.

He sat on a nearby rock and swallowed the gall bladder of the triangular-headed python.

When Zhong Yuan tasted the snake gall bladder, he almost spat it out.

The reason is that the juice from the snake gall is both fishy and bitter, making it extremely unpalatable.

If I didn't know that this thing could increase internal energy and physical strength...

He wanted to vomit.

He forced himself to swallow the snake gall bladder's contents, suppressing his nausea.

Sitting cross-legged, I circulated my inner energy and felt my breathing become incredibly smooth.

Without hesitation, he activated the Heart King Scripture, and felt that the speed at which his internal energy was generated was three times faster than before.

He felt reassured and immediately focused all his attention on entering a meditative state.

When Zhong Yuan woke up, the moonlight was already shining down.

Under the moonlight, the waterfall still plunges swiftly down.

Zhong Yuan stood up and felt that he had inexhaustible strength and was in excellent spirits.

He took off his pack and outer garment, exposing his upper body, and headed towards the large rock below the waterfall. He then picked up his White Rainbow Sword and began practicing his swordsmanship.

The waterfall was incredibly powerful; even when Zhong Yuan mustered his inner strength, he felt as if a thousand pounds of force were pressing down on him.

Practicing swordsmanship in this environment is indeed very beneficial.

Zhong Yuan started by practicing the Tang Poetry Swordplay, and then moved on to the Great Nine Heavens Sword.

Then he practiced all 360 basic sword moves.

By then, it was already past midnight.

Zhong Yuan felt sore all over. He left the waterfall and went to the side to use his internal energy to dry his body. He ate all the snake gall in the medicine bag and then sat cross-legged to meditate.

Only after feeling the fatigue disappear and regaining strength should one take a short nap.

The next day at noon.

Zhong Yuan re-entered Snake Valley, intending to kill a few more snakes and extract their gallbladders.

result.

As they entered the depths of the valley, a loud, mournful cry echoed from its depths.

Zhong Yuan leaped up and landed on a large blue stone, looking ahead.

All that could be seen was the depths of the valley.

It was a large eagle, ugly in appearance, with yellow and black feathers all over its body. The eagle had a hooked beak, a tall body, and thick legs, as tall as a person.

The giant eagle was striding back and forth, its wings flapping incessantly, possessing the power to send sand and stones flying.

That strange, mournful cry came from the giant eagle.

The giant eagle then began to pant and shout for a while.

Not far away, seven or eight five-colored venomous snakes rushed towards the giant eagle.

The giant eagle turned its beak and pecked at the four venomous snakes four times, killing them one by one.

It flapped its wings again, sweeping away the remaining three venomous snakes.

At this time.

Behind the rocks over there, a giant python with a triangular head slowly appeared!

The triangular-headed python was more than twice as thick and long as the one Zhong Yuan had killed yesterday.

The golden light emanating from its body was very obvious, and the fishy smell was also very strong.

In the instant the triangular-headed giant python appeared...

The giant eagle immediately tensed up and began hissing incessantly at the triangular-headed python.

With a whoosh, the triangular-headed python charged toward the giant eagle at incredible speed.

The giant eagle flapped its wings, sending sand and stones flying, but it still couldn't stop the triangular-headed python.

The triangular-headed python was extremely fast, and the eagle did not move its body, but simply flapped its wings in place and lowered its beak to peck down.

But the triangular-headed python's body seemed very tough, much tougher than those colorful venomous snakes.

The giant eagle pecked several times, but it couldn't slow down the triangular-headed python.

The triangular-headed python stubbornly withstood the eagle's attack.

They circled around the giant eagle, tightly binding it.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Yuan raised an eyebrow.

Could this giant eagle be the same divine eagle that Dugu Qiubai once possessed?

No, no.

The timing doesn't quite match.

But no matter what, this giant python is so huge that it must be the snake king that Zhang Erniu was talking about.

The gallbladder of this snake must be incredibly nutritious.

He immediately leaped into the air, and when he was less than half a zhang away from the giant python, he drew his White Rainbow Sword, which flashed with light as he unleashed the [Hidden Star] technique.

The sword energy transformed into countless stars, piercing through the giant python's body.

The python's scales were indeed much tougher, but they couldn't withstand Zhong Yuan's powerful sword energy at such close range.

Several bloody holes instantly appeared on the giant python's body.

The giant triangular-headed python suddenly opened its blood-red maw, spewing out a foul stench.

Zhong Yuan stepped onto the bluestone beside him, leaped up again, and plunged his sword into the seven-inch spot of the triangular-headed giant python.

Pfft!

A spurt of blood, with a strong, fishy smell, gushed out.

The giant python went limp, and the eagle broke free of it, panting heavily. The light in its eyes dimmed, and it called out twice to Zhong Yuan before staggering backward and falling to the ground.

Upon closer inspection, Zhong Yuan saw a blood-red gash on the right side of the giant eagle's body, clearly indicating that it had been bitten by the triangular-headed python at some point.

After the giant eagle fell, it gradually fell silent.

Zhong Yuan frowned deeply. Yesterday, he hadn't found any trace of the giant eagle.

Pity.

huh~~~

Just then, a clear, mournful cry rang out from the valley above.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Yuan looked up.

Above the valley, a broken rock jutted out, supported by tree branches all around.

A young eagle, its dark head poking out, cried out towards the sky.

Upon seeing this, Zhong Yuan was immediately startled.

There was also a baby eagle. The big eagle had fought desperately to protect the baby eagle.

He immediately leaped up and scooped the baby eagle down from the bird's nest above.

The young eagle flapped its wings and ran towards the adult eagle, letting out mournful cries.

As the giant eagle lay dying, tears slowly streamed down its face.

Zhong Yuan cut open the three giant pythons and took out their gallbladders, which were even larger than the gallbladders of the python from yesterday.

Zhong Yuan took the snake gallbladder and also took the gallbladder of the venomous snake that the giant eagle had killed earlier.

Then, walk up to the baby eagle and put it in front of its beak.

The young eagle looked at the lifeless adult eagle, then at Zhong Yuan, and then swallowed the snake gall in one gulp.

Seeing this, Zhong Yuan raised his hand and patted the little guy's head, gesturing for him to stand on his hand.

The baby eagle had a small, blood-red growth on its head and jumped directly onto Zhong Yuan's hand.

Zhong Yuan placed the little guy on his left shoulder and whispered, "Little guy, we are destined to meet. From now on, you will follow me."

The young eagle let out a cry, as if responding to Zhong Yuan.

Zhong Yuan got up, left the valley, and returned to the mountain stream where the waterfall was located, feeding the two little snake gallbladders to the little black eagle.

Even after eating that large snake gallbladder myself, it was still just as bitter and fishy.

But the effect was also remarkable; Zhong Yuan felt that the speed at which his internal energy was generated had increased significantly.

For two consecutive months.

Zhongyuan always repeats this cycle.

Apart from sleeping for an hour and a half each day, the rest of the time is spent either practicing martial arts or on the way to practice.

The results were quite impressive.

His internal strength had improved significantly compared to two months ago; the progress he made in those two months was equivalent to that of a year before.

Originally, his internal energy increased rapidly after he began practicing the Heart King Scripture.

This added another layer of complexity, making Zhong Yuan feel that he would have at most another six months to cultivate the [Heart King Scripture] to its peak, at which point he would be able to cultivate the [Great Shift of Heaven and Earth].

However, after two months, the number of venomous snakes in the Snake Valley was decreasing.

Larger pythons are rarely seen anymore, and some venomous snakes have already left Snake Valley.

So Zhong Yuan took the little eagle back to Snake Valley and settled down there, building it a new nest for it.

One person and one carving, living a rather pleasant life.

Every now and then, Zhong Yuan would catch a couple of wild rabbits to roast and eat, leaving the little eagle with its mouth dripping with oil.

While Zhong Yuan was practicing his sword under the waterfall, Xiao Diao was watching from the stream nearby.

Seeing what's behind it, the little eagle will also flap its wings a couple of times.

Until another month later.

The colorful venomous snakes near Snake Valley were now very few and far between, and Zhong Yuan knew it was time to leave.

After all, we can't really eat these Bodhi snakes to extinction; we have to leave some snakes to reproduce.

On this day, Zhong Yuan prepared to leave Snake Valley. He looked at the little eagle that had just finished eating the last snake gall and said to it, "Little Red, I'm leaving. Do you want to come with me to see the world, or stay in the valley?"

The little eagle couldn't fly, so it hopped close to Zhong Yuan and landed on his hand.

Xiao Hong was the name Zhong Yuan gave to the little eagle, simply because the little guy was extremely docile, sometimes appearing clumsy and cute, and had a red fleshy growth on his head.

So, Zhong Yuan simply named it Xiao Hong.

Xiao Hong is very intelligent and can understand Zhong Yuan's words. Its meaning is also very clear: it wants to go with Zhong Yuan.

Zhong Yuan also wanted to take Xiao Hong with him, after all, the little guy was still young, although there were far fewer Bodhi snakes near the Snake Valley.

But Zhong Yuan was still a little worried about letting it survive on its own.

I might as well take it with me when I leave, and return it when it's a bit older.

Zhong Yuan packed his bags, took Xiao Hong with him, and left.

After turning over the mountain stream, we walked along the mountain road towards Xiangyang City. As we passed the mountain road, we saw thick smoke rising from the village ahead.

Zhong Yuan frowned and looked around. He saw flames rising, and several houses were on fire.

Zhong Yuan darted out, his speed much faster than three months ago.