Two horns, about three inches long, sprouted from the giant python’s head.
At the same time, two long whiskers grew from its lower jaw, a pair of claws emerged from its underbelly, and its scales turned a faint golden hue.
The python’s body more than doubled in size.
“It succeeded!”
Long Eyebrow Master said, “Its strength now should be comparable to that of a Foundation Building cultivator.”
Ye Qiu also sensed a powerful aura emanating from the python.
After a while, the python’s transformation was complete, and it slithered down from the willow tree. Now, with a serpent’s head adorned with dragon horns and eyes blazing like torches, it carried an air of majesty.
The python crawled to Ye Qiu, raised its head high, then lowered it, nodding several times.
“No need to thank me. Your success is your own fortune,” Ye Qiu said. “Besides, if you really want to thank someone, thank Hu Zi. If he weren’t my disciple, I wouldn’t have helped you.”
The python seemed to understand Ye Qiu’s words, turning to crawl to Hu Zi’s side, circling him a few times.
Suddenly, the python raised its upper body, then prostrated its claws, kneeling before Hu Zi with a respectful and devout expression, as if paying homage to a supreme ruler.
Then, the python’s claws waved rapidly, gesturing towards Hu Zi.
Hu Zi immediately understood its intentions.
“You want to follow me?” Hu Zi asked.
The python nodded.
“This…” Hu Zi turned to look at Ye Qiu.
Before Ye Qiu could speak, Long Eyebrow Master spoke first, saying, “Hu Zi, since it wants to follow you, just agree! This python has transformed into a flood dragon, and it may become a great asset to you in the future. Besides, a flood dragon needs someone to restrain it, or over time, its wild nature might erupt, causing trouble.”
Though Hu Zi heard Long Eyebrow Master’s words, his eyes remained fixed on Ye Qiu, clearly only heeding his master’s orders.
“The old man’s right. If it wants to follow you, take it,” Ye Qiu said.
Hu Zi nodded and reached out to stroke the python’s head.
Seeing Hu Zi and the python’s close interaction, Ye Qiu grew a bit concerned and whispered, “Old man, this is a genuine flood dragon. I’ve heard flood dragons have fierce tempers. It won’t harm Hu Zi, will it?”
Long Eyebrow Master replied, “That’s easy to handle. Just have the flood dragon acknowledge Hu Zi as its master. From then on, if it ever harbours disloyal thoughts, it’ll face dire consequences.”
“How does it acknowledge a master?” Ye Qiu asked.
“Well…” Before Long Eyebrow Master could finish, he saw Hu Zi bite his right middle finger and press it against the python’s forehead.
The next moment, a strange light enveloped them both.
Hu Zi’s right hand moved swiftly, and soon, a rune appeared, burrowing into the python’s forehead.
About thirty seconds later, Hu Zi withdrew his hand.
At that moment, the python’s body rapidly shrank, becoming just over a foot long, and coiled around Hu Zi’s neck.
If one didn’t look closely, it might seem like Hu Zi was wearing a necklace.
“Strange, how does he know the method to bind a beast?” Long Eyebrow Master was astonished.
Ye Qiu couldn’t help but ask, “Hu Zi, where did you learn the method to bind a beast?”
Hu Zi scratched his head and said, “I’m not sure. When it said it wanted to acknowledge me as its master, the method to tame it just appeared in my mind. Strangely, when I used it, it felt so familiar, like it’s an innate ability. I don’t even know what’s going on myself.”
Ye Qiu glanced at Long Eyebrow Master.
Long Eyebrow Master said, “It’s probably the Life and Death Talisman again. Hu Zi unlocked the first seal and ascended to immortality in one step, which likely caused some memories buried deep within to resurface.”
At this, Long Eyebrow Master used a secret voice transmission to tell Ye Qiu, “As I said before, Hu Zi carries great secrets. Since he’s following you, you need to stay vigilant.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “Aren’t you overthinking this?”
“I hope I’m overthinking,” Long Eyebrow Master said. “But trust me, caution never hurts.”
Ye Qiu nodded slightly and said, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back!”
The three descended the mountain.
Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Old Xiang, draped in a coat, pacing anxiously at the door.
“Old Xiang, why aren’t you sleeping? What are you doing here?” Ye Qiu asked.
Seeing the three, Old Xiang let out a sigh of relief and said, “Director, it’s so late, where have you been? You didn’t bring your phone, and I was worried sick. This is a mountainous area, and with such heavy rain tonight, a mudslide could have been disastrous.”
Ye Qiu smiled, “We’re back safe and sound, aren’t we? No need to worry.”
“Director, your clothes must be soaked. I’ll get you some dry ones… Wait, your clothes aren’t wet?” Old Xiang suddenly noticed that Ye Qiu was completely dry, and so was Long Eyebrow Master.
Only Hu Zi was in tattered clothes, but Old Xiang was used to that.
“Strange, with such heavy rain, and neither the Director nor Long Eyebrow Master brought an umbrella, how are they not wet?” Old Xiang was puzzled.
Seeing Old Xiang’s expression, Ye Qiu knew what he was thinking and quickly changed the subject, asking, “By the way, Old Xiang, your father passed away. Why haven’t I seen your family?”
Logically, with Old Xiang’s father’s passing, his wife and children should have come for the funeral, but only Old Xiang was present, which was unusual.
Old Xiang said, “My wife is bedridden, and the kids have to take care of her, so they couldn’t come.”
Ye Qiu was surprised, “Your wife is ill? Since when? How didn’t I know?”
“It was around the time you became the Medical Saint,” Old Xiang said. “I wanted to ask you to treat her, but you were busy achieving Medical Saint status, and I didn’t want to disturb you, so I didn’t mention it.”
“Old Xiang, that’s not right. You should’ve told me about something this serious,” Ye Qiu said, then added, “But I’m at fault too, for not paying enough attention to my subordinates. When we return to Jiangzhou, I’ll make time to treat your wife.”
“Thank you, Director,” Old Xiang said gratefully.
Ye Qiu said, “Old Xiang, we plan to return to Jiangzhou at dawn. When are you going back?”
“I’m also planning to head back at dawn!” Old Xiang said. “Before my father passed, he told me not to observe mourning but to return to work early and save lives.”
“Alright, we’ll go together tomorrow!”
The next day, at eight in the morning, Ye Qiu and the others returned to Jiangzhou. As they left, the entire village came to see them off.
Unexpectedly, another sudden event occurred!
