Volume One, Chapter 20: The Siege of King Long

Among the others, some were survival experts, while others specialized in wildlife; though not all were highly experienced, they were nonetheless the best in their fields.

After several more hours, an old man holding a snake staff emerged from the group of over five hundred people. He crouched down carefully and examined a scratch on the ground.

"Indeed, these are the marks of a giant python. Although this mountain range is vast, after several days of trekking, we must be nearing our destination. I cannot be mistaken about this scent," he said.

The old man’s name was Qin Zhonghai, a formidable martial artist who had recently, after the resurgence of spiritual energy, experienced a breakthrough to the pinnacle of the martial artist realm. This made him especially sensitive to the faintest traces of power in the air.

“Right over there,” Qin Zhonghai raised his right hand and pointed toward the cliff deep within the Ten Thousand Mountains. Then, turning to face the crowd of five hundred, he spoke excitedly, “Within a kilometer ahead.”

“Everyone, listen up… accelerate the march,” Qin Yu, the eldest son, commanded, leading his faction swiftly forward.

“Damn it, big brother’s getting ahead of us,” Qin Feng cursed and quickened his pace as well.

Deep within the Dragon Pool of the Ten Thousand Mountains…

Wang Long was swimming leisurely on the water’s surface. Over the past few days, he had accumulated dozens of faith points, significantly increasing his strength to the level of a second-tier exotic beast.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Qin Yu pushed through the dense forest and arrived at the edge of a vast, expansive pond.

Gazing into the distance, the pond measured over fifty meters in diameter, and the surrounding area within several meters was void of any trees. Qin Yu felt a surge of awe within his heart.

“What a hidden paradise—mountains, water, and an abundance of spiritual energy,” Qin Yu murmured, admiring the magnificent craftsmanship of nature as he looked up at the cliff above the pond.

Perhaps when it rains, water cascades down the sloping mountain peak, rushing into the hollow below.

Over time, this formed the pond. Countless years passed, and tectonic shifts tore open the earth on Blue Star, causing underground water to surge forth like blood, gradually forming this dragon-deep pool thousands of meters deep.

Wang Long climbed ashore. The moment Qin Yu appeared, he sensed his presence and lost interest in swimming.

“Is that the giant python? It doesn’t look all that impressive,” Qin Lei, the second son, sneered.

Qin Feng, the eldest son, merely instructed his men, “Rest for ten minutes before attacking.”

Qin Shan, the hot-tempered third son, glanced at Qin Feng resting and then shouted angrily to his bodyguards, “All of you, control that python first!”

“Yes, sir,” came the unified response.

Fifty robust young men stepped forward. The days of travel had not exhausted their stamina.

They were all martial artists, possessing endurance and strength far beyond ordinary men.

“Let’s finish this quickly so we can rest,” the leader shouted, sprinting toward Wang Long.

Wang Long fixed his enormous snake eyes on the approaching group of fifty.

Upon sensing their cultivation level, displeasure flickered in his heart: “Just a bunch of amateurs thinking they can fight me?”

“Watch this—Tiger Fist, capable of killing even tigers!” the foremost warrior yelled, swinging his right fist. Within a few rapid steps, he reached under Wang Long’s body and delivered a powerful punch to his abdomen.

“Seeking death!”

Wang Long moved swiftly, whipping his tail horizontally.

“Boom… boom boom boom!”

A series of explosive sounds erupted as Wang Long’s tail struck the lead warrior, sending him flying along with his punch.

What was once a tiger-killing fist was reduced to a mere cat’s swat; the man exploded into a red mist, quickly settling onto the grass and staining it crimson.

The sudden blast shocked the advancing warriors, but they did not falter. Forming a circular encirclement, they surrounded Wang Long.

“Careful, this snake is strange,” someone warned, and the others grew cautious, having witnessed the grisly outcome moments ago.

“Hmph, I didn’t expect this giant python to be so fast!” muttered Qin Hai, the fourth son.

“Load your guns! If those fifty can’t control the python, shoot immediately!” commanded Qin Lin, the fifth son.

Other factions also instructed their men to chamber their weapons.

“Bring it on,” Wang Long swung his tail again, unleashing a barrage of crashing sounds throughout the forest.

The fifty attackers were struck simultaneously, some breaking in half at the waist, others having their insides shattered.

None survived.

“Damn, my elite troops are finished!” Qin Shan stared in disbelief at the carnage before him.

These men had been nurtured with vast cultivation resources and represented his top fighting force.

Now, all perished deep in the mountains, greatly complicating his bid for leadership of the family.

“Serves you right for being reckless,” Qin Shi, the sixth son, silently praised.

With this competitor gone, Qin Shan, now without his fifty bodyguards, went so far as to sever one of his own arms in frustration.

Qin Chuan and Qin Xing, the seventh and eighth sons, glanced at the fallen and exchanged a look, silently signaling their men.

Their faction immediately understood and raised their guns, sweeping fire toward Wang Long.

Qin Feng, Qin Lei, Qin Shan, Qin Hai, Qin Lin, and Qin Shi all raised their right hands, signaling to open fire.

“Bang! Bang! Bang!”

Clang clang clang—the sound of countless metals striking each other echoed through the quiet forest.

Thousands of bullets poured toward Wang Long simultaneously.

Even the ground was soon covered with spent shell casings, blanketing the grass beneath.

After two and a half minutes…

The firing ceased, and the men felt the heat of their barrels, their brows furrowed in unison.

“How is this possible? He’s actually blocking the bullets?” Qin Lei said incredulously, his previously disdainful gaze turning serious.

...

Amid the lingering smoke, Wang Long could not help but praise himself: “Impressive. This advanced bronze-skinned armor is truly formidable. So many bullets hitting me feels like a mere tickle—no sensation at all.”

“Even my eyes are as tough as Rupert’s Tears—absolutely incredible. Now, it’s my turn.”