Enlightenment: Beginning as a Disposable Warrior-Chapter 196 - 148: Slaying the Demon Snake, Power Like Blazing Fire!

"Everyone, hold the line for me and Shangguan Qing!"

Li Jiang eagerly stepped forward, spun his hands, and withdrew the heavy saber strapped to his back. The saber struck the ground with a dull 'thud', indicating its extreme weight.

Twenty steps.

As they closed in at fifteen steps, the Blood Pattern Python swung its massive body. Once tensed, its speed surged like a brown lightning bolt darting towards those who had invaded its lair.

At ten steps, the blood within the Blood Pattern Python surged, emitting a faint rushing sound. The blood patterns on its body lit up instantly, and its tail whipped over like a crimson iron rod.

"Scree!"

A shrub as thick as a water barrel snapped and crashed onto the ground, incapable of resisting the impact, while the tail continued its relentless assault toward the leading duo of Li Jiang.

The burly Li Jiang showed no fear; he uttered a low, excited growl. Not underestimating the adversary, his whole-body slightly trembled as he activated the Third Bone Forging, instantly unleashing the Tendon Power of a Seventh-Grade Muscle-Enhancing Martial Artist.

Clang!

The heavy saber in Li Jiang's hand smashed down like a massive ruler. Sparks flew in the dim forest as it collided with the python's tail, producing a metallic clash before the tail scraped past the saber with a piercing sound.

Enduring the blow, Li Jiang staggered slightly, stepping back by two paces. His heavy saber struck the ground, halting his movement, while the Blood Pattern Python's charge slowed, its body trembling slightly.

This scene brightened Su Mu's eyes!

Earlier, Li Jiang had recognized that they faced an Eighth-Grade Demon Beast, the Blood Pattern Python. However, holding the heavy saber, Li Jiang was repelled two steps after unleashing his Second-Time Tendon Transformation against it.

A closer look revealed that the snake tail had slightly concaved after enduring the heavy saber strike, rebounding visibly, while the scales remained intact.

"Withstanding Li Jiang's saber without a crack on the scales—a formidably strong body. Despite being merely Eighth Grade, its internal power shows no inferiority compared to Li Jiang's Second-Time Tendon Transformation powers and even surpasses Li Jiang in Qi Blood."

Su Mu murmured to himself, feeling astonished. Previously, he had only seen the formidable strength of same-grade Demon Beasts in Martial Arts Secret Manuals, but witnessing it firsthand today proved it true.

Had it not been Li Jiang from Hongmen Martial Arts Hall wielding the saber today, but an ordinary Jianghu Martial Artist with a Single-Time Tendon Transformation, they might have been defeated by the Blood Pattern Python—or worse, become its meal if caught off guard.

Clang, clang, clang!

At this moment, a pale yellow silhouette dashed out, her skirt fluttering like a blooming yellow lotus. In her hand was a Yanling Saber executing swift consecutive strikes at the seven-inch point of the Blood Pattern Python.

Sparks scattered instantly.

A closer look showed that Shangguan Qing's precise strikes landed at the same point, and after several hits, the scales at the seven-inch spot shattered, exposing a significant blood line.

Hiss!

Shangguan Qing's attack intimidated the Blood Pattern Python, causing it to hiss furiously before snapping its massive jaws at Shangguan Qing.

Shangguan Qing's feet tapped backward, her form instantly retreating. Meanwhile, Li Jiang laughed heartily, stepping forward with his heavy saber blocking the incoming bite.

Then, Shangguan Qing's feet tapped again, her form entwining with the Blood Pattern Python using the Yanling Saber, while both coordinated perfectly–one heavy, one light; one attacking, one defending.

Clang, clang, clang!

Within moments, a cascade of metallic clashes erupted, the surrounding shrubs unable to withstand their fierce battle and fell continuously.

Under the combined force of the two Muscle-Enhancing Martial Artists, the Blood Pattern Python, despite its ferocity, was fully suppressed. Its scales, tougher than hardened metal, breaking piece by piece under their sabers.

"Indeed, Senior Brother Li Jiang is extraordinary. Born with exceptionally robust bones, he could repel wild wolves by hand at ten years old, becoming a Second-Time Tendon Transformer by twenty-six. He may surpass Instructor Li Yuanshan someday."

"Senior Sister Shangguan Qing is uniquely gifted too. Her impeccable Yanling Saber technique; her mastery in the Sword Dao is astounding. Observing her saber work is truly a delight, worthy of future renown across Three Counties."

Behind them, the Martial Arts Hall disciples expressed respect and longing, uttering genuine admiration.

"Truly the outstanding talents of Hongmen Martial Arts Hall's young generation... Such a shame, it seems there's no need for me to step in this time."

Su Mu nodded silently with a sense of regret, regretting he wouldn't have to intervene. He believed the Blood Pattern Python would be defeated within ten rounds by the duo.

"This Demon Beast is indeed innately strong, yet suffers from extreme ferocity and lacks intelligence... Moreover, human warriors can leverage advantages of weaponry; human warriors aren't necessarily weaker than Demon Beasts of the same grade."

Su Mu pondered as a coolness coursed through his brow, visualizing himself as the Blood Pattern Python. Its robust physique mirrored his cultivation in Cross-Training Martial Arts.

However, his brows furrowed slightly—if someone held him down frontally, coupled with someone possessing superior Body Technique positioned advantageously, it would be troublesome, making it tough to reverse the situation aside from retreating.

Hiss!

By the fifth round, the Blood Pattern Python let out a piercing wail as blood splattered—a Yanling Saber impaled the seven-inch death spot, shattering the heart audibly, followed by Li Jiang's bold advance to hammer down with his heavy saber.

Crack!

Amid the crisp sound of bones breaking, the Blood Pattern Python's high head dropped lifelessly, slammed brutally into the mud. Despite this fatal injury, it remained alive, its tail furiously raging, scourging like a steel whip.