Meanwhile, Ju and the group members had left the chaos of Master Pike fighting the Mother Snake. Ju estimated they were about five hundred meters away from the battle, a distance the Mother Snake could reach instantly if she knew their existence in her nest.

Although Ju knew the Essence Artists would do what they could to keep the Snake from leaving, he did not want to bet his hopes on them.

"I have to act cautiously. Any mistake can be fatal."

While they moved, the bodies of smaller mutated snakes littered on the ground. Ju had witnessed Aron's strange skill firsthand, and the man used a flute that played low tones, yet for some reason, the Spiritual Snakes seemed soothed by it, even in the heat of the battle. Ju’s swift movements and Zabel's arrows did the remaining work, but the real problem lay ahead.

In the distance were the golden eggs, but they were guarded by ten Snakes that were a bit larger than the ones Ju and his Companions had killed at the entrance of the nest. These were much stronger, and even Aron already put his flute away; no doubt he knew the instrument would hardly affect Snakes that had so much Essence in them. The key was to defeat the Snakes and quickly snatch the eggs before the Mother Snake was alerted. Although the Essence Artists seemed like they could take the Snake's life, there was a feeling that Master Pike was not so confident; at least, that was what Ju’s instincts told him, and they had saved his life numerous times.

Tylen’s eyes glittered as he nervously licked his lips. This task relied heavily on speed. His gaze landed on Oberon, who lightly nodded his head.

Aron had already brought out his two small knives, which shone brightly with the inscriptions. Zabel’s bow also found a target. Ju’s face was completely calm as he watched and waited. Then, suddenly, Zabel let loose an arrow straight at the head of one of the Snakes. Tylen immediately followed up with an attack, as his hands were covered with Essence. The area was immediately lit up with blue light. Oberon rushed directly to the snakes with his axe, looking to engage in his usual melee.

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Multiple Spiritual Snakes immediately rushed towards the group, their scales flashing with Essence; one by one, they all spat out a venomous attack that seemed to cover the entire area. Ju did not change his expression as he held his dagger and joined the fight. However, he did move sideways at an incredible speed, staying clear of the Snake’s attack. The teenager nimbly landed next to one Snake and slashed his dagger in a wide arc, looking to decapitate the snake in one move.

The spiritual beast coiled backward in response to this attack, dodging Ju’s dagger. It quickly targeted the youth's right ankle, aiming to take a bite. With Essence surging across its teeth, Ju’s right eye grew cold as he brought the dagger downward, hitting the snake right between its mouth.

A metallic sound could be heard as the Dagger and the Snake’s fang clashed. Clenching his right hand into a fist, Ju punched the spiritual beast in the midsection. The snake let out a painful hiss and became restless. Ju did not let this opportunity pass him by. He moved his dagger with expert dexterity, cutting the Snake’s soft underside numerous times, and finally, he stabbed directly into the center of its head.

Ju had advanced in purifying his Essence, and his strength and agility had increased slightly. If it were to be before, it would have taken him more than double the time to kill this beast as the last rays of life left the Snake. Ju paid attention to the other beasts. The Snakes were defending more than attacking, trying to protect the golden eggs. Because of this, no other snake tried to attack him while he was fighting earlier.

If any team member decided to pursue those eggs directly, they would face the full brunt of the creature's attack, which would not be pleasant.

Ju's partly covered face was unreadable as he watched Tylen and Aron fight their battles. Oberon moved cautiously as three snakes attacked him, waving his axe. The big man could hold them off for a while, but it was obvious that he was struggling. Zabel had already retreated to a safe distance. Some parts of her outfit were already torn, and various areas of her exposed skin were filled with cuts and bite marks.

The young woman's face was very pale as she hurriedly consumed a pill.

A grim feeling rose amongst all of them.

They were losing.