-- Chapter 20:

Hui cursed at the glorified lizard.

After coaxing the wolf pup with an evil spirit crystal, it led him to the valley. He had connived an ingenious plan to make use of his deceptive exterior to catch the beast off guard. When the lizard came within range and it seemed as if everything were going according to plan, it abruptly lashed out, attacking the surroundings. The poor tree next to Hui had been mangled into smithereens. Hui watched as the pup turned traitor, fleeing as soon as it could. Hui was awed by the lizard’s ferocity as well, however he was too invested, and continued playing along.

To Hui’s delight, the prey seemed to be entranced with the allure of his new form.

‘Hmph! As if a brainless beast could trump this young master’s scheme!’

When the beast’s gaping maw approached Hui, he smiled sadistically and leapt forwards. Silver specks of light floated from his body as he fell into the flood dragon’s mouth.

--

The flood dragon closed its jaws in contentment, awaiting the vigorous flow of essence as it absorbed the plant’s efficacy. Following its hopes and expectations, it felt a sharp pain in its mouth. Cheering to itself, it prepared for the influx of turbulent energy. The pain it felt signified that this plant’s value was far greater than anything it had consumed previously. As the passages where energy flowed from its mouth were battered, the beast’s excitement reached a peak.

Such potent energy!

Part of the flood dragon’s mind mused of what it could accomplish with the effects of the plant’s intense energy. Breaking through to become a second level evil spirit beast was imminent. Perhaps it would awaken the dormant and weak dragon blood in its veins. Then it would be like a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate, and soar!

--

Hui stabbed away at the reptile’s gums. Seeing his energy imbued branches barely tear through, he was surprised at the resilience. Evidently, the reptile’s mouth wasn’t its weakness. Undeterred, Hui continued slashing away, dealing as much damage as he could before he was spit out.

To Hui’s pleasant surprise, the reptile seemed not to realize its predicament despite the pool of blood forming in its mouth from the assortment of wounds. Hui chuckled at the dull wits of the beast while continuing his storm of attacks.

--

As blood poured from between its lips, the flood dragon’s mood was darkening. The unexpectedly turbulent energy was unresponsive, staying in the region of his mouth rather than be absorbed towards his core. It refused to believe it had made a wrong assumption, redoubling its efforts in absorbing the energy, which seemed to be doing nothing but damaging more of its meridians.

After several minutes, the flood dragon lost all feeling in its mouth. Its eyes were fully red and it trembled in anger. By now, it had already come to terms with the facts. It knew that plant had not been any treasured medicine. More likely than not, it was a saboteur's poison!

Spitting out furiously, the flood dragon prepared to seek for whoever had planned it. When it turned its head, it tensed up, its sense of danger flaring.

A blinding silver light forced the beast’s eyes shut. Before it could completely close its eyelids, it felt excruciating pain. The piercing ache from its left eye sent adrenaline coursing through its veins. The anger that clouded its judgement cleared and it entered battle condition.

“Roar!”

It reflexively swiped before its eye, finding nothing. The pain exacerbated as the thorn dug deeper. The flood dragon’s remaining eye flashed with resolve. It lowered its left eyelid, restraining the enemy, as it clawed its face, tearing through where its eye had been.

‘Che!’

Hui spun his branches while retracting them then dodged the incoming razor sharp claws. The lizard’s claws tore into its face, splashing blood.

Hui retreated several meters. The lizard paused as well, and they stared at each other.

Hui had to admit, the flood dragon was incredibly majestic. Even with half its face in a mess, it appeared unfazed, glaring emotionlessly at him. Its thick scales shone a violet hue in the sunlight, and its neck arched like a python on a body disorderly jutting with barbed spurs. Currently, its powerful forelegs clamped deeply against the ground, with muscles coiled as if in preparation to pounce. On its streamlined head with savage horns, an intelligent single eye examined Hui. Only a hint of surprise flashed before it resumed its impassivity. Its lips curled in anticipation of the kill, only seeking to avenge itself.

Hui stretched his body, smiling to himself.

‘I hope you don’t disappoint me!’