Chapter 723: The White-Dress Serpent Demon
"Ah!!"
A horrifying scream echoed briefly before fading away, as the assassin was completely swallowed by the monster in front of them.
Everyone finally saw clearly what this incredibly fast monster looked like!
It was a level-150 Frost Python!
Moreover, it was a mutated Frost Python!
Normally, a Frost Python is merely a beast, not even considered a spirit beast. Yet its level was so high, its speed so astonishing, and its attack power so overwhelming. Without a doubt, its evolution was the result of consuming Holy Snow Celestial Lotuses for years.
Without the environmental debuff,
the agility and perception of the Shadow Master from earlier would have easily allowed him to dodge the Frost Python's attack.
But because of the 50% speed reduction,
half of his mobility was forcibly cut down.
While still faster than other Professionals, he was no match for the Frost Python, a native creature of the secret realm unaffected by the environmental debuff.
Thus...
its speed was terrifyingly fast for everyone present, almost lightning-like, making it nearly impossible to evade!
The assassin, being a fragile class, stood no chance. Once bitten and injected with venom through the Frost Python's toxic fangs, he lost all ability to resist and was swallowed alive, screaming in agony.
Of course...
what shocked everyone most wasn't this scene.
The most unsettling sight was the loud-mouthed man who was now laughing maniacally.
His once simple and honest expression had morphed into one of cold malice and schadenfreude.
As expected!
You can't judge a book by its cover!
Especially in the world of adventurers, where knowing someone's face doesn't mean you know their heart.
It was clear this loud-mouthed man had known all along that a Frost Python was lurking beneath the ice near the low peak, guarding the Holy Snow Celestial Lotuses. He deliberately drew everyone toward the lotuses to lure the Frost Python into appearing.
It had to be said...
His calculation was impressive!
Meanwhile, the level-150 Frost Python flicked its tongue, its ruthless and merciless serpent eyes scanning the invading Professionals. Its pupils glimmered with greedy hunger.
How long had it been since it had such warm, delicious food?
The flesh and blood of these Professionals were delectable, and devouring them would also enhance its own strength.
Professionals gain experience points by killing monsters.
Likewise, monsters that kill Professionals gain experience points too, with the added benefit of slight bloodline evolution.
Right now,
in its eyes, nearly a hundred Professionals here were nothing but succulent prey.
With the environmental debuff in effect, wasn't this its perfect hunting ground?
"Hee hee! Humans! It's been so long since I've tasted such delicious humans!"
"The last time must have been decades ago. I never thought more ignorant humans would invade my domain today!"
"Run as much as you like! Let me enjoy this thrilling hunt!"
The Frost Python spoke in human tongue, specifically using the Dragon Kingdom's language. Thanks to the universal skill of language parsing, every Professional present, regardless of nationality, understood its meaning!
It intended to treat them as prey to toy with and hunt before devouring them like food!
Beasts at this level already possessed intelligence and could even shapeshift.
With a quick transformation, the Frost Python turned into a beautiful woman in a white dress. Her vivid red lips revealed two sharp fangs, while snowy-white snake scales adorned her slender neck. Her slit pupils twinkled mischievously as she smiled at the crowd.
At this point, even the loud-mouthed man, who had been laughing earlier, now looked serious and uneasy, his gaze locked on the white-dress serpent demon.
"Everyone! This isn't about who gets the Holy Snow Celestial Lotuses anymore; it's about whether we can make it out of here alive!"
"With the environmental debuff, outrunning this serpent demon is impossible. Fortunately, our strength hasn't been reduced. If we join forces, we have a chance to take it down!"
Cold sweat dripped from the loud-mouthed man as he quickly used Transmission Skill to urge cooperation.
Damn it!!
Who would've thought the creature beneath the ice was this powerful!
A level-150 Frost Python!
Out in the wilderness, it would be classified as a BOSS, requiring a team to bring it down.
Hearing this, the others nodded without hesitation. Cooperation was their only option.
If they scattered and fled, the Frost Python would pick them off one by one in this endless snowfield.
Better to join forces and gamble for survival!
They definitely had a chance!
"Alright! Let's work together!"
"Kill the serpent demon first, then we'll talk!"
In the face of life and death, no one hesitated any longer.
Only Ling Zhan remained unresponsive, calmly walking to a frozen boulder and sitting down with a smile. "Go ahead and team up if you want. I'll just watch the show from here."
As soon as he said this...
Whoosh!!
The Professionals' expressions shifted. They abandoned the use of Transmission Skill and shouted:
"Are you insane? At a time like this, you're just sitting back and doing nothing?! If we lose, you'll die too!"
"Exactly! Do you not know what's good for you?"
"You're probably planning to swoop in and steal the Holy Snow Celestial Lotuses once we're both down, aren't you?"
"That's definitely it!"
One by one, they lashed out at Ling Zhan in disdain.
Ling Zhan said nothing in return, gazing idly at the sky, seemingly lost in thought.
The crowd: "..."
Damn it!!
This guy must be out of his mind!
At a time like this, he's daydreaming?!
What the hell is wrong with him?!
Despite their internal complaints, the crowd refocused their attention on the white-dress serpent demon.
"Oh my, what a handsome young man!"
Naturally, the serpent demon noticed Ling Zhan, the outlier among the crowd.
After gaining the ability to shapeshift, she had developed a human sense of aesthetics.
She had learned this language from a Dragon Kingdom Professional she once captured and forced to teach her.
Of course...
That Professional eventually ended up in her belly as food.
Now, however, this human man before her made her eyes light up.
So handsome!
So dashing!
She couldn't bear the thought of eating him!
After all, she had been alone in this snowy domain for so many years, silently guarding the Holy Snow Celestial Lotuses, focused solely on growing stronger and hunting. Perhaps having a charming companion to chat with and admire would be a delightful change.