"Down below," Qian Shengyuan said, then spread his six wings and swept off the high ground.
He made no attempt to conceal his aura. The instant golden light burst above the lake, the dark teal shadow beneath its surface accelerated sharply, rushing from the depths at the lake's center toward the shore.
The water split down the middle, enormous waves surging to either side. The Sky Azure Bull Python's bull head rose from beneath the water, its dark teal scales gleaming cold and hard in the morning light. Its dark golden slit pupils locked onto Qian Shengyuan in the air.
A low roar rumbled from its mouth, hoarser and deeper than the Titan Giant Ape's bellow, carrying an echo that seemed to rise from deep underwater.
Qian Shengyuan hovered in midair, his six wings fully spread behind him. Golden light stained the entire lake dark gold.
Without using a Soul Skill, he relied solely on the base combat strength of a Peerless Douluo. He formed a golden blade of light in his right hand, then plunged straight down from the sky.
As Qian Shengyuan descended, the Sky Azure Bull Python swung its serpentine tail against the water. A thick column of water rose from the lake and slammed toward the golden figure overhead.
Qian Shengyuan twisted aside, and his light blade sliced across the scales on its tail, sending a shower of dark teal sparks flying.
Stung by the pain, the Sky Azure Bull Python abruptly submerged and swam swiftly beneath the surface, trying to use its advantage in the water to keep Qian Shengyuan at bay.
Qian Shengyuan did not pursue.
He hovered above the lake, formed a simple Soul Power seal with both hands before his chest, then pressed down toward the water without touching it.
An invisible