The gorge was deep and secluded, its waters murmuring.
A figure slipped quietly down to the bottom of the gorge. It was Chen Shi'an.
Mo Wuyang crouched on his shoulder and said softly, "Follow the water upstream for about two li, and you'll see a pitch-black cave. That's the Purple-Scaled Python's lair."
Chen Shi'an nodded. "I'll lie in ambush here. Go lure the Purple-Scaled Python out."
Mo Wuyang said quietly, "Are you sure you can exchange blows with the Purple-Scaled Python now?
We're already thirty li away from Zhao Shiqing. If you're no match for it, he might not make it in time to save you.
And don't count on me to help, either. With my meager attack power, I'd be doing nothing more than scratching an itch for the Purple-Scaled Python."
"Just hurry up. I wouldn't gamble with my own life," Chen Shi'an urged.
Only then did Mo Wuyang nod. He leaped off Chen Shi'an's shoulder and raced upstream.
Chen Shi'an hid behind a boulder, held his breath, and waited quietly.
A short while later, crashing and cracking sounds came from upstream as boulders tumbled and large trees snapped and fell.
Soon, Mo Wuyang shot down from upstream, swiftly passing Chen Shi'an and racing ahead.
The crashing and cracking drew ever closer and grew ever louder.
About six breaths later, a huge snake appeared in Chen Shi'an's sight. Purple scales covered its body, its triangular head was the size of a watermelon, and it was at least four zhang long.
This huge snake was none other than the fifth-level demon beast, the Purple-Scaled Python.
The Purple-Scaled Python was furious. Its cold eyes stared fixedly in the direction Mo Wuyang had fled as it slithered swiftly past the boulder where Chen Shi'an was hiding.
Just then, Chen Shi'an shot out