Just then, the whirlpool exploded with a thunderous boom.
The thirty-meter Blackwater Dark Serpent burst from the water, its black-and-red scales gleaming coldly beneath the sun. Its scarlet vertical pupils locked tightly onto Xu Changqing.
Its eyes held undisguised greed for human cultivators.
Azure light surged around Xu Changqing, the Withered-Prosperity Dao Rhythm poised to strike as he prepared to suppress it.
"Stop."
Bei Qingtang stepped between Xu Changqing and the dark serpent and said coolly, "There is no need to fight. This is my spirit pet, the Blackwater Dark Serpent."
Xu Changqing frowned slightly as he examined the massive black-and-red serpent before him. "According to ancient records, the Blackwater Dark Serpent does not look like this. It appears completely different."
Bei Qingtang explained, "It awakened a trace of ancient bloodline, and its form mutated."
As she spoke, she casually flicked her hand, and the dark serpent immediately became docile.
Its enormous head gently rubbed against her sleeve, devoid of even a trace of its previous ferocity.
Xu Changqing's gaze sharpened. "Senior Sister, you actually let it roam freely in the Azurebillow River?"
Bei Qingtang raised a brow, her tone carrying several parts righteous certainty. "The Azurebillow River is Fengrao Commandery's mother river. A million mortals depend on it for survival.
"There are countless fish and shrimp within it, as well as no few spirits and monsters.
"The dark serpent is still growing, so naturally it must eat its fill."
Xu Changqing said seriously, "Now that the Azurewood Sect oversees the Eastern Domain and protects Fengrao Commandery, any demon creature that endangers mortal lives must be dealt with by me, regardless of its background."
Bei Qingtang narrowed her eyes, strong displeasure coloring her voice. "Xu Changqing, I am your senior sister."
Xu Changqing did not yield an inch. "Though I