The python was less than five meters away from the two of them, its mouth wide open. There were no visible teeth, but a light blue secretion, as thick as mucus, trickled from its mouth, emitting a stench so foul it made one want to retch. Perhaps because Huo Sining and Gu Xu stood motionless, the piebald rock python's hostility decreased significantly. Slowly, its body began to move forward, inching closer to where Huo Sining and Gu Xu were standing, gradually shortening the distance between them. Behind Huo Sining was a huge palm tree. The moment she noticed the python, she immediately backed up towards the nearest palm tree. Now, as the snake approached her inch by inch, she felt increasingly unstable on her feet, so she quietly leaned her body against the tree. However, she hadn't anticipated that, like other snakes, the python was nearsighted, but its ability to sense its surroundings was far sharper than any other creature. At the instant Huo Sining discreetly tilted her body backward, the leaves beneath her feet made a soft rustling sound, immediately drawing the python's attention. In the blink of an eye, what initially seemed a cumbersome, slow-moving python suddenly darted up right in front of Huo Sining. Unprepared for the python's swift and nimble movements, Huo Sining panicked instantly and turned to flee deeper into the jungle. Seeing its prey attempting to flee, the snake suddenly lashed out fiercely. Huo Sining felt a sudden tremor through the tree beside her, nearly stumbling as she struggled to keep her balance. Before she could react, the python swung its tail at her back. At this moment, Gu Xu couldn't afford to think too much. With several swift leaps, he lunged to shield Huo Sining. The python's body weighed over a hundred kilograms, heavier than an adult man. The force of this lash was imaginable. For Huo Sining, Gu Xu endured the blow, directly falling to the ground, feeling as if his organs were shattered, his face turning pale. Seeing Gu Xu collapsed on the ground, Huo Sining dared not blindly escape into the forest. Rushing to his side, she didn't dare recklessly help him up, feeling both ashamed and guilty, like an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth frantically. The python, its earlier attempt unsuccessful, grew increasingly agitated, deploying its ultimate weapon. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel※fire.net It charged at Huo Sining and Gu Xu, rapidly sweeping aside all obstacles surrounding them with its tail, then its long, thick body advanced, intending to coil around Huo Sining and Gu Xu. At this moment, Huo Sining realized the python's intentions, but it was too late, as Gu Xu was still down, making it impossible for them to escape the python's encirclement in time. The incessant cracking sounds echoed, the palm tree Huo Sining had used for support was snapped into pieces under the python's coiling, closing in swiftly around them. Witnessing this tense and breathtaking scene, Gu Xu's eyes widened, shouting urgently. Gu Xu had gotten hurt saving her, and how could Huo Sining bear to leave him behind, knowing staying meant being crushed by the great python, yet she was unwilling to abandon Gu Xu alone and flee. Seeing Huo Sining unwilling to run, Gu Xu grew anxious. Drawing a sharp dagger, he charged, thrusting it into the python's body. To Gu Xu's astonishment, the python was armored with thick, colorful scales like protective armor, incredibly tough. His dagger barely left a shallow mark, without drawing any blood. Gu Xu was horrified. The dagger was a Yao Village Dagger, sharp enough to rival a premium Swiss Army Knife. The knife was incredibly difficult to forge, and the technique had almost vanished, making them extremely rare. Knife enthusiasts would consider themselves lucky to even glance at such a blade, let alone own one. The dagger could cut through ordinary steel or glass like butter, yet it couldn't pierce the python's smooth, hardened scales! Gu Xu underestimated the python's strength, but his attack had severe consequences. This python had lived in the jungle for many years, reigning as the tropical forest's king. One look at its flawless scales, and it was clear it was the local tyrant, with many years unchallenged by foes. Yet now, it was hurt by a mere human, a king's dignity deeply insulted. It had never faced such provocation and humiliation! Infuriated, the pained python quickly contracted, deploying an even more violent constriction. For Huo Sining and Gu Xu, the move was a deadly blow. A snap echoed as the giant python encircled them, aiming to crush them with its massive coils. Gu Xu felt his body compress, his organs shifting out of place. Huo Sining's face flushed with blood, her lungs compressed to the point of unable to breathe. The intense pain sharpened her mind. Despite the foul smell emanating from the snake's mouth, she struggled to channel spiritual energy inside her to pacify the python, hoping the Azure Pearl's power could tame the wild beast. However, perhaps Gu Xu's stab had completely enraged the python, as the spiritual energy passed into the python, it paused momentarily then quickly resumed its fury, not releasing them, tightening its grasp instead. Suddenly, a snap emanated from Gu Xu's body, resembling the sound of a joint snapping. Huo Sining panicked, her hatred for the python palpable. Perhaps due to the tension, strange symbols spontaneously appeared in her mind. At this critical moment, Huo Sining couldn't ponder further. She instinctively reached out her right hand toward the python, uttering the incantation in her mind. Her wrist remained motionless, leaving Huo Sining wondering if she had gone insane after reciting the incantation, with no expected rescue manifesting, perhaps it was all an illusion. A bleak feeling enveloped Huo Sining's heart, forcing a pale, cold smile to her lips.