3: Finally becoming a demon beast and winning the first battle

Gu Yuchuan's eyes lit up. He wasn't even angry when the System called him a greedy little glutton. A hundred-year-old Vermillion Fruit! That was truly a great treasure. It might really allow him to become a Yao Beast. He had just obtained a Cultivation Technique, and now this treasure appeared. Indeed, he was the world's number one fierce snake.

He flicked his tail and immediately clicked to exchange. An orange fruit appeared in his grasp. It was a slightly flattened spherical shape, looking somewhat similar to the flat peaches from his previous life. Just one sniff made his breathing feel noticeably smoother.

He could no longer resist and swallowed it in one bite, instinctively beginning to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Art. A warm, comfortable sensation spread throughout his body along with the flow of his spiritual power, making him feel utterly at ease. It wasn't until two hours later that he finally opened his eyes.

After concluding his cultivation session, his body had undergone a significant transformation. His entire form was now emerald green, his length close to one meter, and his girth about the width of a pulse bottle opening. The scales covering his body shimmered with a faint green light. His pair of inverted triangular eyes flashed with a silvery gleam, appearing mighty and extraordinary.

[Congratulations, Host, on advancing to the Demon Soldier First Layer (Qi Refining First Layer) Realm. Having devoured the spirit fruit, your Bloodline has successfully advanced to a Low-Grade Demonic Beast: Jade-Scaled Green Snake. Reward: One Simulation opportunity.]

The System's message contained too much information. He decided it would be clearer to check his own status panel.

[Name: Gu Yuchuan.]

[Race: Green Snake.]

[Bloodline: Low-Grade Demonic Beast: Jade-Scaled Green Snake.]

[talents: Beginner Invisibility; Poison Fang Enhancement]

[Innate Divine Ability: Green Scale Armor]

[Cultivation: Demon Soldier First Layer (Qi Refining First Layer).]

[Simulation Count: 2]

[divine dragon points: 0]

With a thought from Gu Yuchuan, his scales shimmered with a jade-green light, forming three green shields around him that completely encircled his body. It was actually a rare defensive-type Innate Divine Ability. He believed this would be an excellent life-saving ability in future battles. Feeling quite pleased with himself, he proudly admired his appearance by the pool of stagnant water, immensely satisfied.

He had just thought about lying down to rest for a bit when he suddenly remembered something. During his second Simulation, he had seen the Yao Beasts attracted by the Vermillion Fruit: an eight-meter golden eagle, a tiger as tall as a two-story building... these were existences he couldn't compare to yet. He had just embarked on the path of immortal cultivation; how could he be soSlack? He jumped up and slapped himself with his tail.

Consider this a lesson. From now on, he must cultivate diligently. Having a cheat was meant to help him reach the Peak better, not to let him becomeSlack. Without the heart of astrong, even with ample external help, he would only end up as trash.

Unbeknownst to him, at this moment, he had unexpectedly developed the heart of astrong.

After cultivating for another hour, he sensed an unfamiliar presence. This aura carried a faintfishy smell. The other party was trying its best to conceal its presence, but Gu Yuchuan, having just experienced a dual advancement in both cultivation and Bloodline, still detected it. He flicked out his tongue, carefully tasting the scent.

The visitor meant no good. He immediately realized this. Quickly surveying his cave, he found two potential hiding spots: a nearbycorner and the pool of stagnant water. After a moment's thought, he deliberately left traces on the ground leading towards the water, then hid within the shadows of thecorner.

Outside the cave at this moment, a fiery-red toad lurked in concealment. It was also a Low-Grade Demonic Beast, called a Crimson Flame Toad. As for why it had come, while hunting today, it had been relatively close to this cave and sensed the faint aura of a recent advancement. A freshly promoted Demon Soldier! By devouring it, the toad could advance to the Demon Soldier Second Layer.

It knew its opponent had just advanced, likely without a single Spell to its name. It itself had a Bloodline; victory was assured.

However, it remained extremely cautious, inching closer to the Immortal Cave step by step. The cave was small; standing outside, it could see everything inside clearly. A quick glance revealed... nothing. A mocking glint even appeared in its large eyes. Such obvious traces leading into the water—did it think the toad couldn't see them? As expected, a newly advanced creature, lacking developed intelligence, was far toofool compared to a frog like itself that had advanced several years ago.

It no longer suppressed its movements, leaping into the cave in one bound. Its eyes fixed intently on the stagnant water, ready to tear apart its opponent the moment it emerged.

Their distance was already very close. Gu Yuchuan could even smell thefishy smell emanating from the toad.

He waited for the other to reveal an opening. The toad stood still for a moment, then suddenly took a deep breath. Its body began to swell, and with a gape of its mouth, a fireball shot out. The scorching temperature made Gu Yuchuan extremely uncomfortable.

The fireball struck the stagnant water. This pool was merely a depression in the terrain, accumulated rainwater. How could it withstand a Spell's attack? But in that instant, Gu Yuchuan seized the moment he had been waiting for to strike.

Right now, the Crimson Flame Toad had just released its Spell. It was the perfect moment when the old force was spent and new force had yet to be generated. Gu Yuchuan activated his Beginner Invisibility and swiftly bit down on the Crimson Flame Toad's body. Venom rapidly entered the toad's System.

Blood flowed everywhere. The toad let out a great cry. The pustules on its back exploded, forcing Gu Yuchuan to release his bite. However, his toxin had been enhanced by the System; its potency wasn't something easily endured.

Sure enough, the toad's steps were already becoming somewhat unsteady—a sign of poisoning.

However, the toad wouldn't just wait for death. It cried out again, its body swelling once more, and spat out another fireball. This time, as the locked-on target, Gu Yuchuan felt the aura of death. Instinctively, he activated his Divine Ability: Green Scale Shield. Three green shields materialized and began revolving around him continuously. The fireball broke through two of them but was ultimately blocked by the final one.

Forcing itself to use a Spell accelerated the Crimson Flame Toad's Qi and blood circulation, causing the toxin to spread throughout its body even faster. With athump sound, it collapsed to the ground.

Still, Gu Yuchuan didn't approach immediately. Thepower of that fireball was still vivid in his mind. Channeling hismagic power into hisVenomous Fang, he hissed and sprayed a stream of venom onto the toad's body.

The toad's Physical Body slowly began to corrode. Only then did Gu Yuchuan truly confirm that the other was dead. He gasped for breath inBig Mouth gulps. Although the battle hadn't lasted long, it was a life-or-death struggle. His spirit had beenHighly concentrated, and now he was utterly exhausted.

This gave him a deeper understanding of the cultivation world: no matter what, one must never bemain idea.main idea would lead to death.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on completing the achievement: First Yao Beast Kill. Reward: Two Simulation points. Friendly reminder: For future Yao Beast kills, you don't need to destroy the Physical Body. Consuming it can aid your cultivation progress.]

Gu YuchuanHe gasped. His small eyes were filled withBig doubts? Wait, such important information, and you tell me *now*? He had suffered a huge loss! The cooked duck had flown away. Today, he was officially aSad Snake.