"It actually... still hurt a lot," Song Wen said.
"If it hurt, why didn't you even cry out?" Ying Wu rolled her eyes.
Then her tone shifted as she continued.
"Oh, one more reminder. Your physical strength and power have both greatly increased, but at the cost of consuming the Seven-Blood Centipede's demonic power. Once its demonic power is depleted, you will be forced to leave the demonic body state. You will need to wait until some of its demonic power recovers before you can merge with it again. Therefore, once you reach the Western Rong Continent, it would be best to keep watch over the Seven-Blood Centipede's condition at all times. Do not let its demonic power be overdrawn."
"Thank you for the reminder," Song Wen said.
Ying Wu nodded slightly. Spiritual light flickered faintly at her fingertip as she lightly tapped Song Wen's head, which bore a pair of mandibles.
In an instant, the carapace covering Song Wen's body began to melt away and peel off, gathering into the form of a centipede.
Meanwhile, Song Wen's body began to shrink.
Very soon, Song Wen had returned to his true form.
The many bloody holes the Seven-Blood Centipede had pierced through his body had already vanished, though his clothes were in tatters.
Song Wen tore off his ruined garments and changed into a fresh set.
At that moment, Ying Wu said, "In a while, I will dissolve the spirit beast contract between myself and the Seven-Blood Centipede, then help you establish a contract with it. Once that is done, you will be able to control it as you please."
"Great kindness needs no words of thanks. Fellow Daoist Ying Wu, if you ever have need of me in the future, just give the word," Song Wen said with considerable