Chapter 114: Execution, Consolidating the Third Evolution Point

Seeing Zhang Ran charging toward it, the Petrifying Serpent opened its massive maw, revealing a pair of razor-sharp fangs, and unleashed its "Petrifying Venom" ability.

As the ability was activated, a sinister glow shimmered across the serpent's fangs. Two bolts of gray venom, imbued with terrifying petrification energy, erupted from its mouth, streaking toward Zhang Ran. Much like its "Petrifying Gaze," the serpent's "Petrifying Venom" carried potent petrification properties. While it possessed a wider area of effect than the gaze, its effective range was shorter, and its cooldown was exceptionally long, requiring half a day of recovery after each use.

Simultaneously, the Petrifying Serpent did not remain idle; it whipped its tail violently, triggering its "Tail Swipe" ability. A flash of cyan light surged along its tail, drastically accelerating its speed. Accompanied by a fierce gale, the tail lashed out in tandem with the venom, pincer-attacking Zhang Ran.

Watching the incoming onslaught, Zhang Ran remained unflappable. He shifted his form, moving with the fluidity of an eel, and easily dodged the sprays of venom. The two streams of venom grazed past him by a few meters. Even without direct contact, Zhang Ran felt waves of chilling energy radiating from the air, gnawing at his body. Under the erosion of this cold energy, his strength, speed, and physical functions slowed by approximately five percent. Had he been struck, even with his robust constitution, his skin and underlying tissues would have begun to petrify. While not immediately fatal, such an injury would cause irreversible damage, permanently hindering his future evolutionary potential.

"Hiss!"

The gray venom impacted the wilderness, emitting a harsh, hissing sound. Instantly, it petrified the earth and weeds within a radius of several meters, spreading outward in all directions. Anything that touched the venom turned into stone, losing all vitality—a testament to the lethality of the ability.

While dodging the venom, Zhang Ran’s heavy sword, *Pojun*, collided violently with the serpent's tail. A thunderous metallic "clang" rang out. Bolstered by his "Blood Boil" ability, Zhang Ran’s strength surpassed that of the beast. The Petrifying Serpent was sent reeling, and *Pojun* sliced deep into its back, carving a meter-long, ghastly wound that exposed raw flesh and sent blood spraying, staining the serpent's scales crimson.

Not stopping there, Zhang Ran triggered five Blood Spikes, which instantly crossed the distance to the serpent, aiming for its vulnerable orifices—its mouth, ears, and eyes. The serpent thrashed, managing to shatter two of the spikes with its tail, but the remaining three nimbly evaded the swipe, piercing its skin and embedding themselves deep within its body.

At Zhang Ran’s mental command, the three spikes detonated, ravenously draining the creature's blood. Simultaneously, Zhang Ran swung *Pojun* again, unleashing a magnificent, sweeping sword beam aimed directly at the serpent’s vital seventh-inch point.

The Petrifying Serpent was not a creature specialized for close-quarters combat. While it could challenge Zhang Ran at a distance with its gaze, it was no match for him once the gap was closed. Having already spent its trump card, the "Petrifying Venom," it posed no further threat. Under the weight of Zhang Ran’s blade, another long gash opened on the serpent’s body, while the Blood Spikes continued to feast upon its life force.

Five exchanges later, the serpent’s body was marred by seven horrific wounds. Cold blood flowed like a spring, soaking the surrounding grassland. Its vitality plummeted to a critical state, and its resistance grew increasingly feeble.

"Die!"

A cold light flashed in Zhang Ran’s eyes. With a swift movement, he vaulted onto the serpent’s body. Sensing him, the creature thrashed wildly and whipped its tail, attempting to dislodge him. Ignoring the desperate struggle, Zhang Ran stood firm. He gripped the hilt of *Pojun*, pointed the tip downward, and channeled every ounce of his strength into a vicious plunge, driving the blade directly into the serpent’s spine.

*Crack!*

With a sickening snap, the spine shattered. The serpent’s tail, which had been thrashing about, suddenly went still, twitching only slightly as the light in its eyes rapidly faded.

In less than ten seconds, the Petrifying Serpent was dead. A surge of evolutionary energy flowed from its carcass into Zhang Ran’s body. Because the serpent was a mutated beast that balanced both physical and mental attributes, the energy it provided possessed dual properties—one half scorching hot, the other icy cold. Upon entering Zhang Ran, they began to circulate along distinct paths.

The scorching energy gradually enhanced his physical constitution, while the icy energy bolstered his mental strength. The majority of this power converged within his spine, flowing toward the embryonic third evolutionary point. Under the influx of energy, the embryo reached a critical threshold, undergoing a rapid transformation. It condensed, its color deepening as crystalline facets quickly formed.

"4th-level Petrifying Serpent slain. Evolutionary energy absorbed. Evolutionary point condensation: +11.26%. Current progress: 100.00% (3/3). Standard for 4th-level evolution attained. Promotion to 4th-level Evolver available."

"4th-level Two-Headed Patterned Hound slain. Attributes enhanced: Strength +0.006, Constitution +0.006, Agility +0.004, Spirit +0.011."

Within ten seconds, the embryonic point successfully coalesced into a brand-new evolutionary point. It floated within Zhang Ran’s spine, echoing the resonance of the previous two and emitting waves of profound energy. Simultaneously, the chip’s notification chimed in his ears.