A snake’s tongue flicked in and out, hissing softly. It seemed to be mocking the group before it, as if saying: Silly humans, daring to disturb my rest. I will take your lives.
The Crocodile Mercenary Group had never expected such a giant python to be here. Member A shouted, "Didn't we check the surroundings? How did this huge snake appear? Are you all blind?"
They had checked the area, yet this giant python appeared anyway. They could only sigh in frustration. But there was no time to complain now, for they had to deal with the beast. All attention was focused on the python. Zhang Hua and Old Yang exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with joy. This was a gift from heaven.
The opportunity had arrived. Zhang Hua kept watch while Old Yang moved quickly. He added a drop of poison to the soup they were brewing, then secretly added venom to the water and food nearby. The two men retreated swiftly, the whole process taking only ten seconds. It was so fast that those focused on the python didn't notice a thing.
Receiving the news that Zhang Hua and Old Yang had withdrawn safely, Zhu Yanyi smiled slightly, feeling relieved. She had no interest in how the mercenaries would handle the python.
The Crocodile Mercenaries were indeed capable. They killed the giant python in just ten minutes.
"Haha, let's roast snake ribs later," one mercenary said.
"This huge python will feed us for several meals," another added.
"Let's eat snake meat later. I'm hungry now. Let's fill our bellies first before dealing with the snake," someone else said. The interruption had made everyone hungry after the exertion.
As one person mentioned hunger, the others felt it too. They drank water, ate food, and sipped soup. However, within thirty seconds of finishing, Zhang Hua and Old Yang watched in shock as the mercenaries' flesh shrunk rapidly from the inside out. The meat turned to nothing, leaving only skeletons. With the wind blowing, the skeletons crumbled into dust and vanished.
Zhang Hua and Old Yang swallowed hard instinctively. Zhang Hua exclaimed, "What a powerful poison!"
"Let's go pick up Comrade Little Zhu. We need to see if this place needs cleaning," Old Yang said. Unsure if the poison would affect the environment, they dared not act alone and went to find Zhu Yanyi.
Zhu Yanyi already knew the plan had succeeded. Hearing their question, she smiled gently. "It's fine. The poison has already dissipated." Then she asked, "By the way, where is that giant python? We should cut some snake meat to take back. Ideally, the snake gallbladder should still be there; I have use for it."
Snake bodies held many treasures. Snake gallbladders, venom, and skin were all valuable traditional medicines. Zhu Yanyi moved quickly, extracting the venom, removing the gallbladder, peeling the skin, and cutting a large chunk of meat. Then they left the area immediately, knowing they could not stay long.
After finding a safe spot, Zhu Yanyi decided to let everyone rest. She roasted the snake meat and shared it with the group.
"Sister, didn't you say it's still dangerous here? Aren't you afraid people will see the fire?" Dandan asked curiously, watching Zhu Yanyi roast the meat.