This cluster of green flames, the size of a fist, resembled a firefly, yet Zhou Yan knew the terrifying temperature it contained. At this moment, he even suspected that if this green fireball were to explode, the surrounding thousand meters would be incinerated.
"Is this the final counterattack of the Scarlet Scale Python King?"
Zhou Yan stared at the green fireball, his heart filled with vigilance. He didn't believe the Scarlet Scale Python King was playing games with him.
In that instant, various thoughts flashed through Zhou Yan's mind. However, he eventually shook his head and sighed, "Forget it, this fellow is already completely dead. Even if it possessed my body, it probably couldn't survive. It's truly a pity that such a powerful being died like this. Since that's the case, I'll fulfill your wish!"
"Rumble!"
With a thought, the one hundred and eight spiritual talismans within Zhou Yan's body lit up. Golden spiritual patterns appeared from the void, followed by a layer of pale blue light enveloping Zhou Yan's body, forming armor.
"This is... an ice-element body protection armor?"
Looking at the ice-blue light surrounding him, Zhou Yan was startled, then broke into a smile. This ice-element armor had excellent defensive properties. Although it was only a mid-grade mortal spiritual artifact, once worn, even a first-tier Martial Master would struggle to break through it.
"Whoosh!"
Just as Zhou Yan finished donning the spiritual artifact, a giant snake, resembling a dragon, lunged towards him from afar. This serpent was nearly a thousand feet long, entirely emerald green, covered in ferocious scales, and bore two crimson horns on its head. This was clearly a sixth-tier Flood Dragon!
Flood Dragons were the apex beasts among their kind. Once mature, their strength was comparable to a Martial Master, and they mastered the secrets of water. A single drop could transform into a monstrous wave, possessing terrifying power. This was why the Flood Dragon clan was known as the overlords of the ocean. Since Flood Dragons could control water currents, something few humans on land could achieve, even Martial Sect powerhouses found it difficult.
"Roar—"
The giant snake let out an enraged roar. This time, it was truly furious. A peak first-tier Scarlet Scale Python had been slain by Zhou Yan, and its vital essence core was lost. How could the Scarlet Scale Python King not be enraged?
"Swoosh!"
The giant snake opened its massive maw and lunged to bite Zhou Yan.
"Hmph! A mere lowly creature, courting death!"
Facing the giant snake's attack, Zhou Yan's expression drastically changed. He flipped his wrist, and a silver spear appeared in his hand. With a thrust, a snow-white spear light tore through the air, striking the giant snake's body fiercely. With a "crack," the serpent's tough scales were pierced by the spear light. The light then continued downward, piercing directly into the snake's vital seven-inch spot.
"Pfft!"
The spear light pierced the giant snake's seven-inch spot, and then Zhou Yan kicked it, sending the serpent flying.
All this happened in the blink of an eye. Only after the giant snake landed did Zhou Yan heave a sigh of relief.
"Is this giant snake truly dead?"
At this moment, Zhou Yan could hardly believe his ears. The scene just now was too bizarre. The last trace of the Scarlet Scale Python King's residual true essence had condensed into a ball of green flame, completely refining his own true essence. And under the shroud of this green flame, the Scarlet Scale Python King's true essence had merged into his dantian.
"Hmm? This true essence doesn't seem to intend me any harm, and it's actually hidden within my body?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Zhou Yan's brow.
"Boom!"
Just then, a violent fluctuation emanated from the depths of his sea of consciousness. A profound artistic conception descended instantly. Zhou Yan shivered, feeling his true essence surge wildly within his meridians, running rampant!
"This is..."
Zhou Yan was slightly stunned, then immediately sat down, quietly observing his internal situation. Soon, he was shocked.
His cultivation had actually broken through!
"Fourth-tier Divine King?"
Zhou Yan muttered to himself. At this moment, his dantian was filled with extremely dense true essence, and it continued to increase, becoming more refined until it turned into a liquid, like solidified fluid.
Was he about to advance to Martial Master?
Zhou Yan couldn't believe it, but after carefully sensing, he confirmed his guess. This body had indeed advanced to the fifth-tier Divine King!
A fifth-tier Divine King was undoubtedly a master in Qingyun City. Moreover, this body possessed excellent cultivation potential. If given time, he might even reach the Innate realm!
"Haha, the gains this time are truly substantial. This Scarlet Scale Python Gall can also fetch a good price."
Zhou Yan chuckled. The Scarlet Scale Python Gall was the vital essence crystal of a third-tier demonic beast, worth a considerable sum. Especially for a genius with Zhou Yan's outstanding cultivation talent, it was a godsend. By absorbing this single Scarlet Scale Python Gall, his strength would improve to the ninth level of Martial Apprentice.
"Eh, this thing..."
Suddenly, Zhou Yan's gaze fell upon a peculiar plant nearby. It was a vibrant green vine, bearing a purple fruit the size of an infant's fist. Zhou Yan reached out and plucked the fruit.
Immediately, a cool and comfortable sensation emanated from the fruit.
"What is this? It can actually cleanse the soul!"
This sensation made Zhou Yan's eyes light up. This fruit was definitely not ordinary spiritual medicine, at least, it was invaluable to a martial artist like him. Furthermore, he recalled seeing something similar in his memory. It was a spiritual item called a Soul Tempering Grass, which, when consumed, could transform a martial artist and improve their aptitude!
Zhou Yan's heart trembled. He never expected his luck to be so good. By merely hunting a late-stage first-tier demonic beast, he had encountered such a treasure. No matter what, he would definitely take this Soul Tempering Grass!
Soul Tempering Grass could not only cleanse the soul but also enhance a martial artist's aptitude. This way, when he broke through to the Divine King realm in the future, breaking through bottlenecks would be much easier. By consuming these Soul Tempering Grasses, his cultivation would surely advance to the Divine King realm in one go. After reaching the Divine King realm, his combat power would also surge severalfold.