Chapter 3: Chapter 3 licking

Hiss—hiss—

She hissed strangely at the bushes lining the road.

“Snake Immortal Lord, you…”

“It’s nothing, just a habit.”

When feeling anxious, the snake would instinctively hiss, a sound meant to ward off any potential threats.

Of course, given her power, there was nothing on the mountain that could truly threaten her.

Having suddenly awakened in an unfamiliar world, in a place utterly devoid of human presence, Yin Luan initially cowered inside an ancient temple, afraid to venture anywhere.

It was only after she discovered she could fell a wild boar with a single punch that her heart settled somewhat.

‘No matter the world, the “Fist Deliverance Method” should always prove effective…’

“Xiao Cui, I have a question,” Yin Luan inquired. “Why did the village send you up the mountain?”

At merely fifteen or sixteen years old, even a girl from the mountains would face near-certain death venturing into the desolate peaks in early spring.

Considering the chances of success, wouldn’t it have been a far better choice to send an experienced and skilled hunter?

“Because…”

Xiao Cui lowered her head, seemingly reluctant to speak, yet also fearful of displeasing the Snake Immortal Lord.

“Because… the offerings… weren’t enough…”

“Offerings?” Yin Luan paused, then her understanding dawned upon her, and she nodded. “Is that what this means…”

Although they called her “Snake Immortal,” in the villagers’ minds, she was likely not an immortal at all, but rather a demon.

Seeking a demon’s aid always came with a price.

How could a mere hundred eggs possibly sate the appetite of a snake demon?

What did a snake demon desire?

The villagers likely weren’t sure, but according to stories passed down through generations, most demons favored tender, budding, and sweet-tasting maidens, didn’t they?

“Ugh,” the Snake Immortal Lord grumbled, tilting her neck ninety degrees to the left. “It seems I’ve lost interest in saving the village…”

“Snake Immortal Lord!”

Xiao Cui flinched, immediately raising her head to speak loudly.

“I—I came willingly! The village chief asked for my consent, and I refuse to watch everyone around me die in such a way!”

“Is that so?”

The Snake Immortal Lord fixed her peculiar vertical pupils upon the young girl before her.

“It’s true!”

The young girl nodded vigorously.

Hiss… hiss…

The dangerous sensation from their first encounter resurfaced, sending shivers down Xiao Cui’s spine.

‘Was the Snake Immortal Lord angry? Was she going to eat her? What about the village?’

Yin Luan moved beside her, the corner of her eye curving as an eerie smile spread across her face.

Then,

*Slurp.*

She licked the young girl’s cheek.

“Mmm, the scent of honesty~”

The Snake Immortal Lord patted her shoulder.

“Alright, I believe you now. Let’s pick up the pace.”

“…(Swallowing hard)”

The young girl dared not speak another word, following closely behind the Snake Immortal Lord with small steps.

‘She kissed me, she actually kissed me…’

As for Yin Luan, her thoughts were… ‘The snake’s tongue is truly amazing; it can discern a person’s sincerity just by scent!’

****

At the foot of the mountain.

“Village Chief, two more have gone mad.”

Tie Niu, drenched in sweat, found the white-haired elder at the village entrance, urgently calling out.

“I know,” the old man replied, leaning on his staff as he gazed at the wild mountain shrouded in white mist. “Just like before, tie them to a tree. Don’t let them harm anyone.”

“Village Chief, this is already the thirteenth,” Tie Niu’s dark face was etched with anxiety. “What about Xiao Cui? Hasn’t she returned yet? Is there really a snake demon on the mountain…”

“It’s the Snake Immortal.”

The old man slowly turned, cutting him off.

“Snake Immortal? Is there really a Snake Immortal Lord?” the burly man asked. “Two years ago, when I sold mountain goods, I went to the city.

I heard the important figures there say that the Great Zhou Kingdom had already cleared all demons and evil spirits within its borders ten years ago, and even established the Demon Suppression Bureau (TL Note: A governmental body responsible for dealing with all matters related to demons and evil spirits.) to handle all related matters.

Could this snake demon have already…”

“I said, it’s the Snake Immortal, not a snake demon,” the village chief said, his white brows furrowed. “Alright, go rest.

Remember to look out for each other and call for help immediately if anything unusual happens.”

“This snake… fine, I won’t say it,” Tie Niu said with a helpless expression. “I’ve been busy for most of the day; I feel so hungry.

I’m going to eat…”

Watching the burly man depart, the old man’s brows did not unfurl; instead, they furrowed even deeper.

Not having returned by now, Xiao Cui was likely… *sigh*.

She was such a sensible, good child.

He had originally intended to have others look after her more carefully, as her parents were among the first to die tragically.

Could their only option be to relocate the entire village?

But without their land, how would everyone find a way to live?

Moreover, who could guarantee that this evil spirit, this curse, wouldn’t simply follow them?

Just as the old man’s face was clouded with worry, the crisp voice of a young girl echoed from a distance.

“Snake Immortal Lord, it’s here.”

Xiao Cui appeared in their sight, leading a woman with a graceful sway to her steps and an exceptionally beautiful countenance.

“Hmm, something is indeed amiss,” Yin Luan murmured, her willow-like brows slightly furrowed. “A putrid scent hangs heavy in the air…”

The village chief stood dumbfounded for a moment, then, with a jolt, he rushed forward, approaching her with brisk steps.

He cupped his hands in a respectful bow, speaking in a flustered, stammering manner.

“Sn-Snake, Snake Immortal, L-Lord, please save the entire village’s lives…”

Though her appearance was human, anyone with discerning eyes could immediately tell that she was undoubtedly a demon!

There really was a demon on the mountain!

Despite having longed for a savior, the village chief now felt a pang of trepidation.

Demons devoured people!

They lurked by day and emerged by night, preying on humans; some drained life essence, while others devoured flesh and bone alive.

In the face of such extraordinary powers, even the strongest of men could offer little resistance.

To be possessed by an evil spirit and bloat to death, or to be consumed as food and enter a demon’s belly… both ways of dying seemed equally horrific.

“Don’t be so scared; I don’t eat people,” Yin Luan said, glancing around. “Take me to see those who are afflicted.”

“Yes…”

The old man lowered his head, not daring to cast another glance at the eerie woman, and cautiously led the way with small steps.

Upon seeing this peculiar outsider, the villagers kept their distance, drawn by her beauty yet simultaneously awed by her presence.

Beneath several large jujube trees, men and women were bound.

Without exception, all of them had grotesquely swollen bellies and struggled incessantly, utterly oblivious to the bloody marks chafing their wrists and ankles.

“Why are their mouths gagged?”

Yin Luan inquired.

“R-Replying, Snake Immortal Lord,” the old man stammered, cupping his hands. “If their mouths aren’t gagged, they’ll bite off their own tongues and swallow them… though even with the gags, it doesn’t stop them from bloating themselves to death.”

The village chief gestured with his eyes to a nearby villager, who then removed the cloth gag from one of the afflicted individuals.

This middle-aged man, whose limbs were emaciated but whose abdomen was grotesquely distended, stared fixedly at the Snake Immortal with bloodshot eyes, his saliva pooling on the ground.

This was not due to her beauty, however, but rather the unique, alluring fragrance emanating from her form, a scent far beyond that of any ordinary human.

He exhaled ragged, white breaths, his chest heaving violently, and his murmurs grew steadily louder.

“Hungry, so hungry, I want to eat… I want to eat!”