Chapter 12: The Nine-Headed Snake God

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“It is us who have disturbed your slumber, great one,” Old Jiang replies. Calmly. As if he isn’t talking to a creature whose body blots out the sun and casts eternal darkness over them. “This old man and his disciple have braved the poisonous mists and creatures outside to come before you.”

“A child and a dying Emperor,” Nine-Headed Snake God says. Dark amusement coats his words. “Four thousand years have passed, and you are the first to come before me. The world outside must be in a truly sorry state.”

Four thousand years. That is three thousand years more than Xiao Nan’s estimate. In light of everything, the fact is completely inconsequential. However, Liu Jin holds it tight because if he were to focus on anything else, he would surely lose himself.

“You speak true, great one. The world is not as it was when you were alive.”

Alive?

The single word puzzles Liu Jin’s mind so much some of his terror fades.

“Many nations have fallen. Many Sects and Clans have withered away into nothingness. The level of cultivators is nothing compared to what it was in the past.”

“Pitiful as it may be, it is only to be expected,” the titan scoffs. “The war took a lot out of this continent even before my death. Long have I waited here for someone to claim my Inheritance. However…”

Eighteen eyes that burn like stars narrow. Their gaze is not aimed at Liu Jin but at Old Jiang, and that is the only reason why Liu Jin’s body remains conscious, and his clothes stay clean.

“My eyes can see your soul, dying one. I can see the taint that rots it away. How much have you been diminished, I wonder? Regardless, the ailment that afflicts you is not something easily fixed. Someone like you is not fit to receive my Inheritance.”

It is the second time Nine-Headed Snake God speaks of his master’s health. However, how can his master who is in the Emperor Realm be dying? It is true he was near death when they first met, but Liu Jin had managed to save him. Furthermore, his master receives treatment and medicine from his father every week.

How can he be dying?

“It is so, great one. This old man is not suitable to receive your blessings. Indeed, this old man did not come here expecting to hear any differently, but rather to put his disciple before you. He is someone fit to receive your Inheritance.”

His master motions to him. Eighteen eyes and nine heads turn towards Liu Jin, freezing him with fear.

“Him?” Nine-Headed Snake God then does something Liu Jin never expected to see him do.

He laughs.

“A child who is only in the Inner Realm? Receive my Inheritance?”

All nine heads laugh loudly and without restraint. To Nine-Headed Snake God, even someone in the Emperor Realm is no big deal. Liu Jin who is only in the Inner Realm is such an insignificant existence that it is not even worth putting him in his eyes.

“This Nine-Headed Snake God has never heard a funnier joke. For this alone, waking up has been worth it.”

If Old Jiang is in any way intimidated by the way Nine-Headed Snake God reacts to his suggestion, he does not show it. Even as the space around them ripples due to Nine-Headed Snake God’s laughter, Old Jiang speaks, undaunted. “Nevertheless, great one, it is undeniable this child has braved the poisonous mists outside under his own power. Even now, he is resisting the poisonous mist of this realm without any help. As such, does he not deserve the opportunity to prove himself?”

“You did not help him?” Nine-Headed Snake God looks at Liu Jin more carefully this time. He initially assumed the old man was the one who helped the child survive the mists. However, now he can see that the child is consciously purging the poison from his body.

“There was no need. This child may only be a cultivator in the Inner Realm, but he is fully capable of dealing with this level of poison.” Old Jiang says it as if dealing with the poison surrounding them is no big deal to Liu Jin.

If as a weak child in the Inner Realm Liu Jin can deal with poisons like this one, how much stronger will his ability grow in the future? That is what Old Jiang is implying to Nine-Headed Snake God with those words.

“Hm… Child, your master speaks the truth. You have the right to receive my test. However, I cannot guarantee you will survive the experience. In fact, you will almost certainly die. Even so, do you wish to be tested?”

Liu Jin does not understand.

Liu Jin does not understand this talk of inheritances and tests. He does not understand how something like Nine-Headed Snake God can exist, let alone be dead already. He does not understand how is it that his master is supposedly dying. He does not understand so many things he does not know whether to laugh or cry.

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However, Liu Jin does know his master brought him here for a reason. He knows he made his choice the moment he entered the cave. No, even before that. In a way, Liu Jin made his choice the moment he decided to become Old Jiang’s disciple.

Liu Jin holds on to that resolution. He holds on to it because doing anything else would surely drive him into despair.

“It would be this one’s honor, great one.” Liu Jin drags up every bit of courage left in his body just to say those words. To his credit, his voice only comes out slightly squeaky even if his body soaked with sweat tells the full story.

“Very well, child. On your head be it. You shall receive my test. For three years, you shall bear my brand. Survive, and my Inheritance shall be yours to claim.”

Three years?

Liu Jin does not have the time to ask anything. Before he can process the information, pain blooms in his belly, like hot iron tearing through his insides. It is the worst pain the young child has experienced so far. Liu Jin opens his mouth and screams. He is so distracted by the pain he almost doesn’t notice the bigger problem.