In Konoha: Three Choices at the Start

"Yes, Lord Liuyun!" After seeing Liuyun subdue the three elders with a sudden display of power, Manda unconsciously switched to a respectful tone.

Carrying Liuyun, Manda soon reached a temple.

"Lord Liuyun, the White Snake Sage lives inside!"

Liuyun nodded, leaped off Manda, and pushed open the door.

A huge white snake sat coiled on a stone seat, a pipe in her mouth and a green cat's-eye gemstone hanging at her chest. Her yellow eyes watched him as her tongue flicked out.

"As expected of Uchiha Liuyun, the Ice Emperor known throughout the Shinobi World. I know what happened outside."

"Are you certain you want to learn Senjutsu here in Ryūchi Cave?"

"Yes." Liuyun nodded.

"Hold out your hand. Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode is far more dangerous than its counterparts in Shikkotsu Forest and Mount Myōboku. Don't say I didn't warn you!"

"I know." Liuyun remained calm and slowly extended his hand.

The White Snake Sage opened her fearsome jaws and bit down hard on Liuyun's arm.

Violent Natural Energy poured from her fangs and surged into his body.

Having already endured a baptism of Natural Energy, Liuyun had developed some resistance to it.

When she sensed that the Natural Energy from her fangs had done him no harm, surprise flashed through the White Snake Sage's yellow eyes.

She had seen many humans come here to learn Sage Mode. Every one of them had grimaced in pain or acted as if they were dying.

Liuyun was the first to remain so unruffled.

Someone ranked alongside Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha as one of the Three Shinobi Greats was no ordinary person after all.

As the Natural Energy she had injected circulated through his body, Liuyun carefully memorized its path. This must be how Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode works!

A moment