"Python!"
Chen Hao knew a fair amount about the progression from snake to python, giant serpent, flood dragon, and dragon.
Although there was no clear scientific basis for giant serpents being the next stage of a python's evolution, the legends passed down by the ancients could not be believed wholesale—but neither could everything in them be dismissed.
Chen Hao had already seen a dragon himself, so creatures like this no longer stirred much curiosity in him.
As for why the people of Ancient Dragon had called it Python from the start, it was probably because this python had not fully transformed into a giant serpent. It still retained most of a python's features, apart from the small horn protruding from its head.
Long Aotian said, "That's right. Python has existed since the founding of our Ancient Dragon Clan. It has not only protected generations of our descendants, but is also the key to our ability to raise spirit beasts."
Then Long Aotian looked at Python and continued, "But for some reason, it began growing listless last year. When Long'er communicated with it, Python said its lifespan was drawing to an end and it might not have much longer to live."
As he listened, Chen Hao activated the Heavenly Eye Art again and scanned Python's entire body.
During his examination, Chen Hao found no external injuries, but its meridians and organs were all extremely weak. Calling it a guttering candle in its final years would have been no exaggeration.
What is that?
As Chen Hao scanned Python's body, he suddenly spotted a strange, liquid-like substance inside its head.
It was not very large, probably about the size of a quail's egg. Its surface was translucent and gleaming, with a mercury-like quality.
As the substance stirred faintly inside Python's head, Chen Hao