Chapter 59: Ambush of the Two-Headed Python
The wake trailed southward. Clearly, a colossal creature was fleeing along the Dragon River. The physical capabilities of supernatural beings had been enhanced in every aspect.
Yet, intelligence was not easily gained. For most supernatural beings, their intelligence had only slightly improved compared to before. If one must make a comparison, it was akin to that of a human child aged five or six. Upon sensing a threat to their life, their first instinct was undoubtedly to flee. From this perspective, there was nothing unusual about the two-headed python.
Chu Xuan patiently continued to read on. The python was fast. In the blink of an eye, it had darted forward a hundred meters, faster than a speedboat. The soldiers, attempting to pursue, couldn't even touch the spray, helplessly watching it escape.
At this moment, Xiong Xing and three other commanders, along with four superhumans from Black Blade, stood guard at the pass. Though behind them flowed the Dragon River, they were now within the boundaries of Hanhai Province.
Their mission was to intercept the two-headed python within the borders of Linjiang Province. It would be best if they could kill it; failing that, they had to inflict severe damage. With several such encounters, they would be able to slay it.
"Here it comes!"
Wang Yong's talent was his far-sighted vision. From afar, he saw enormous waves forming on the river's surface. Clearly, a fearsome creature underwater was rapidly approaching them.
"Prepare!"
Xiong Xing bellowed. All the superhumans braced for battle. The waves grew closer. The threat of the underwater python became ever more pressing. Each person gripped their weapon tighter, unaware of the sweat beading on their skin.
"Hiss!"
The speeding python, failing to brake in time, crashed into the barbed wire.
The barbs at the connections deeply pierced its scales, pulling out a trail of flesh and blood.
Instantly, the river beneath their feet was stained red with blood.
"Fire!"
Xiong Xing waved his hand grandly. The muzzles of automatic rifles spewed flames. Bullets ceaselessly plunged into the water, hammering the body of the two-headed python.
"Hiss, hiss!"
The python shrieked again. Its massive body churned wildly, whipping up a formidable surge. Some soldiers lost their footing and were swept away by the wave, plunging straight into the water. The ferocious python opened its massive jaws and bit the unfortunate soldiers in half!
"Continue firing, empty the magazines!"
Xiong Xing's gaze was icy as he stood his ground, unyielding, and continued to command.
Bang, bang, bang!
The flames from the automatic rifles tore through the air, plunging into the water.
However, this time, no painful screeches from the python could be heard. Nor could more blood be seen rising to the surface.
The soldiers' magazines were emptied one after another. Yet, as well-trained troops of the Linjiang Army, they had prepared spare magazines.
Without needing an order from their commander, they swiftly reloaded. Muzzles aimed at the water, they remained on high alert. After all, this was not their first encounter with this two-headed python.
Xiong Xing, Lin Qiao, and Li Tiemu exchanged glances, instinctively sensing something was amiss.
Had the two-headed python disappeared just like that? Or had it been gravely injured by their recent concentrated fire?
Lin Qiao leaned out to peer at the water's surface, trying to discern the true state of the python. It seemed there was nothing left underwater. She was about to speak.
Suddenly, a massive head burst forth from the water. Its maw opened to its fullest extent. With a fierce snap, it swallowed Lin Qiao whole.
Plunk!
The upper half of the two-headed python crashed back into the river. The huge wave it caused soaked everyone from head to toe.
Li Tiemu stared at the turbulent river, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Lin... Lin Qiao!"
He roared in anger. Xiong Xing clenched the railing, his immense strength nearly warping the metal. His frame trembled slightly.
Lin Qiao, one of the five commanders of the Linjiang Army and a second-tier superhuman, might have ascended to third-tier within a year. And now, she was gone just like that?!
Chu Xuan's eyebrows rose.
This python was cunning indeed. It had deliberately sunk to the river's bottom, feigning injury. Waiting for the moment the Linjiang commanders let their guard down to strike lethally.
Chu Xuan's interest was piqued. Even in life, the python's cunning was evident, and upon extracting its soul, this trait would undoubtedly remain. Cunning, a quality detestable in an enemy, yet reassuring in an ally.
Then, the river's surface churned again. The two-headed python thrust its upper body out of the water. Those two heads and four snake eyes were coldly fixed on Xiong Xing and Li Tiemu.
Having participated in its previous encirclement near Dragon River City, they were not forgotten by the creature. One of the python's heads began to twitch. After a spasm, it spat out Lin Qiao's tattered remains. They landed right in front of Xiong Xing and Li Tiemu. Those four snake eyes were filled with mockery.
A chill ran through Wang Gangjian and the others. They realized it now. The python was not afraid of them. This was a provocation. Pure provocation!
"I'm going to kill you!" Li Tiemu roared angrily.
The clothes on Lin Qiao, he had specially bought to give to her! For the python to spit out those clothes now corroded by stomach acid in front of him was even more painful than death itself!
Xiong Xing grabbed him, "It's trying to provoke you! Stick to the planned attack, do not act rashly."
Li Tiemu took a deep breath, his eyes still bloodshot, "Alright!"
Xiong Xing called out to Wang Gangjian and the other three, "Change of plan, we need your support!"
"It is our duty," Wang Gangjian nodded in agreement.
With a fierce twist, Xiong Xing wrenched the sturdy iron railing straight off. Then, with a burst of tremendous strength from his right arm, he hurled it forward.
Whoosh!
The iron railing cut through the air. The python hadn't even reacted. The sharp iron railing plunged deep into the scales beneath its neck.
"Hiss!"
The python let out a pained shriek.
"Attack!" Xiong Xing bellowed. He threw the iron spears, prepared earlier at his side, with all his might. Each one was thrown with the full force of his rage, as if channeling all his anger over his fallen comrade into the spears! His talent, similar to Wang Gangjian's, was enhancement-based, strengthening a part of the body.
The two-headed python, a supernatural being, could battle in water, but humans could hardly enter it. So now, the best method was to use such projectile weapons for the attack.
Li Tiemu growled lowly, a fireball suddenly blazing in his palm. Once the fireball had condensed to a certain degree, he smashed it down fiercely.
Bang, bang!
The fireballs targeted the python's head. He could use his internal Psionic energy to condense flames. Superhumans categorized as elementals were rare. With the two commanders leading, the other superhumans and soldiers also launched their attacks.
Bullets poured down! Psionic energy burst forth!
Chu Xuan, overseeing everything, was brimming with interest. He noted that most superhuman talents awakened were of the enhancement type. That is, enhancing a particular organ or part of their body.
Some had strengthened arms, others legs. Some had enhanced their eyes, ears, and so forth. Unlike Li Tiemu, who could draw on accumulated Psionic energy within his body and form it into flames, elemental superhumans were not common.