"Strike!"

Inside the cave.

Qin Xuan, who had been entangled with the giant python for some time, saw his chance. Pushing his speed to its absolute limit, he blurred into an afterimage and shot toward the beast. The Fiery Dragon Dagger in his hand stabbed swiftly at the python's seven-inch weak spot on its belly.

But a vicious glint flashed in the python's eyes. Instead of dodging, it let the dagger come, its massive body slithering and coiling rapidly, trapping Qin Xuan within its loops.