Sludge suction system

In the deep, dark depths of the cave, a chilling rustling sound grew closer, like sandpaper scraping against a rough stone wall, sending shivers down one's spine. Then, a gigantic python slowly emerged, its body as thick as a bucket, covered in dark brown scales that shimmered with a cold, eerie light in the dim light, like an impenetrable suit of armor.

The python's triangular head was held high, its vertical pupils gleaming with a bloodthirsty light as it coldly and mercilessly surveyed the four intruders. It hissed, flicking its long, thin tongue, as if warning them to retreat immediately. Behind the python, a strange fruit emitting a soft, multicolored glow hung from a protruding rock on the cave wall. The fruit's surface rippled with texture, seemingly containing boundless, mysterious power, swaying gently and exuding an alluring aura that clashed sharply with the eerie atmosphere around it.

Zhu Xiang'er was terrified by the sudden appearance of the python, instinctively clutching Xiao Zha tightly, her body trembling uncontrollably. Shi Linnan stared wide-eyed at the python in horror, his legs weak, nearly dropping the wooden stick in his hand. Wu Dongzi's expression was grave, his hands rapidly gathering spiritual energy, preparing for the impending battle. Shi Yuan stood to the side, his eyes cold, silently observing the python's every move, searching for its weakness.

The python clearly saw the four as a significant threat to the fruit. It coiled its body, poised to strike. Suddenly, it pounced on them like a black lightning bolt, its gaping maw revealing two rows of sharp, gleaming fangs, as if ready to swallow them whole. A breathtaking battle was about to begin.

Faced with the giant python lunging at him with its claws outstretched, Wu Dongzi steeled his resolve and decided to use his flame magic to scare away the terrifying beast. He pursed his lips, chanted incantations, and rapidly formed hand seals, his ten fingers moving nimbly as if weaving an invisible net of spiritual energy.

As the incantation grew more intense, the surrounding air seemed to be stirred by an invisible giant hand, violently vibrating. The ground beneath Wu Dongzi's feet cracked slightly, and a scorching aura rose from the earth, gathering in his palms. He then thrust his hands forward with a sudden burst of energy, and a blazing fire erupted from his palms.

This blazing flame was no ordinary fire; it was a dazzling crimson, with golden light leaping at its edges, like a miniature sun being born in his hand. The flame, carrying billowing heat, roared towards the giant serpent, scorching and distorting the air in its path, producing a hissing sound.

The giant python felt the intense heat rushing towards it, and its previously swift attack faltered. A hint of fear flashed in its cold, vertical pupils. Its massive body paused in mid-air for a moment before quickly shrinking back. But it didn't intend to leave just yet, still lingering not far away, hissing angrily, clearly unwilling to easily give up the strange fruit it was guarding.

Sweat beaded on Wu Dongzi's forehead, yet he forced himself to maintain the power of his spell. He stared intently at the giant python and shouted, "Everyone be careful! This beast won't back down!" At that moment, flames roared in front of the python, forming a scorching barrier that temporarily halted its attack.

In this suffocatingly tense atmosphere, Shi Linnan's brain raced like a rapidly spinning gear, frantically searching for a way to deal with the immediate crisis. The terrifying image of the python kept flashing through his mind, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking his clothes. He knew all too well that the fate of everyone might hinge on the ancient "Compendium of Ten Thousand Demons" that his father, Shi Muda, had given him.

Shi Linnan's hands trembled as he frantically rummaged through his robes, finally touching that familiar texture. He hurriedly pulled out the *Ten Thousand Demon Compendium*, this ancient book that carried hope. Its cover was made of an unknown black leather, weathered and worn by time, as if telling mysterious stories of the past. The slightly worn edges of the leather added to its antique charm. On the cover, the three large characters "Ten Thousand Demon Compendium" embroidered in gold thread still shimmered faintly in the dim light, exuding a mysterious and solemn aura.

Shi Linnan took a deep breath, trying to calm his wildly beating heart, but his trembling hands betrayed his inner fear. He slowly opened the "Compendium of Ten Thousand Demons." The yellowed pages exuded an old, worn aura, yet were incredibly durable, as if they had steadfastly upheld their mission of recording demons over countless years. Each page was densely filled with detailed information about various demons, accompanied by lifelike hand-drawn illustrations. The demons seemed to have been given life, as if they might leap out of the pages at any moment.

Shi Linnan's eyes scanned the pages anxiously, bloodshot with tension. Finally, in the corner of a page, he found the record of the World-Eating Netherscale Python. The illustration depicted the World-Eating Netherscale Python as enormous beyond imagination, its triangular head held high, its vertical pupils gleaming with an eerie light, as if able to see through the deepest fears. Its scales were like sharp blades, reflecting a blinding, cold light in the sunlight, each one seemingly capable of easily slicing through the skin.

The accompanying text described in detail that although the World-Eating Netherscale Python possessed thick skin and astonishing defense, its vital point was its seven-inch mark, which could inflict fatal damage if attacked. Furthermore, the World-Eating Netherscale Python was extremely sensitive to bright light and loud noise; if this characteristic could be cleverly utilized, its attention could be effectively distracted, creating an excellent opportunity to attack its vitals. And at this moment, what the World-Eating Netherscale Python was guarding was the Spiritual Wisdom Fruit, which contained immense energy.

Wu Dongzi knew the situation was critical; only by precisely striking the World-Eating Netherscale Python's vital point could he hope to win. He gritted his teeth, his spiritual energy surging and boiling like a turbulent tide.

His hands moved rapidly, light flashing between his fingers, as he chanted incantations, each syllable seemingly imbued with ancient power. With his movements, the surrounding air seemed to be stirred by an invisible hand, becoming scorching hot. The fire element in the air was summoned, frantically converging from all directions.

At first, only tiny sparks danced in his palm. In the blink of an eye, these sparks intertwined and merged, transforming into a flame the size of an egg. This flame was a deep crimson, with golden light leaping around its edges, and faint runes appearing within it.

Wu Dongzi's forehead was covered with large beads of sweat, which slid down his cheeks, but his eyes were incredibly determined. He continued to compress and temper the ball of fire in his hand, and the temperature of the ball of fire rose sharply, distorting the surrounding air due to the high temperature.

As the ball of flame was compressed to its limit, radiating a chillingly high temperature, Wu Dongzi seized the fleeting moment when the World-Eating Netherscale Python's seven-inch vital point was exposed during its movement. With a fierce shout, he swung his arm out like lightning, launching the ball of flame with overwhelming force towards the python's vital spot. This ball of flame, containing all his power and hope, streaked through the darkness like a burning meteor, rushing towards its target with unstoppable momentum.

The ball of fire, imbued with Wu Dongzi's full power, struck the World-Eating Netherscale Python's vital spot with pinpoint accuracy. In an instant, intense heat raged, the scales sizzled as they burned, the flesh charred, and a pungent, acrid smell filled the air.

The World-Eating Netherscale Python, in pain, let out a deafening roar, causing the entire cave to tremble violently and small stones to fall from the ceiling. Its eyes were instantly filled with bloodthirsty hatred; its once cold vertical pupils now burned with raging fury, and its body twisted wildly like a giant tree in a storm.

Its thick tail swept across with tremendous force, shattering rocks and kicking up clouds of dust. Then, it charged recklessly towards Wu Dongzi and the others, its gaping maw seemingly capable of swallowing an elephant, its sharp tusks dripping with chilling saliva. Enraged, its strength amplified, its speed lightning-fast, utterly disregarding its own safety, determined to tear those who had inflicted its pain to shreds.

At this critical moment, Shi Linnan hurriedly shouted, "Xiang'er, quickly sing the blessing!"