The Black Snake experienced significant changes as she slept.
Sun Yuying began to shed her outer skin as the natural process occurred swiftly. Her serpentine body grew in size, and her old scales and skin wriggled off without effort, revealing new, clean, and more vibrant black scales underneath.
Such a process would be far more problematic for a regular Snake; the Black Snake was not normal, and as she woke from her slumber, she found herself surrounded by her discarded skin and scales, feeling completely rejuvenated from the altercation with the Monitor Lizard.
It was then that another notification from the system appeared.
Compatible trait detected. Current progress: 1/5 in assimilating the trait Tough Skin from Monitor Lizard.
Assimilating trait? Does that mean I could adapt and evolve from other species?
Upon reflection, Sun Yuying did not receive such a notification when she consumed the Hornet; was it not a compatible species? Can she only acquire traits from other reptiles?
The Black Snake was not sure, though she realised her thoughts began to flow swifter after she consumed further units of Spiritual Energy.
Sun Yuying then felt another oddity; her stomach rumbled, and she felt a great deal of hunger.
She knew that a snake of her size could usually go weeks without the need to eat after having such a large meal, yet she already felt starving, as if she had not eaten in a while.
The Black Snake figured it might be due to her rapid growth; either way, it allowed her to consume more of that delicious Spiritual Energy.
Sun Yuying, there is more to life than food!
Despite her lamentation, the Black Snake was already slithering away.
She paid more attention to her surroundings this time.
The rainforest in which she had been born was the densest, most abundant sight of wildlife she had ever seen. It would make the largest rainforests on Earth look diminutive, with her surroundings filled with ancient, colossal trees that towered so high that she lived in constant darkness.
Despite the dense trees blocking the bright rays of the sun, a myriad of colours was observable to her, with stunningly beautiful glowing plants that were bright blue, red, purple, indigo, and pink; it was both an alien and striking sight.
Sun Yuying was cautious as she utilised her natural camouflage to avoid the large creatures that prowled the forest.
The Black Snake remained still, avoiding a Tiger-like creature that would make a Siberian Tiger look tiny in comparison.
The Tiger radiated power in its every step as it swiftly moved past her. Sun Yuying felt a suppression in her bones as she felt its presence, as if her very bloodline bowed in its presence.
Despite her fear, the Black Snake felt a deep desire to rival the magnificent beast.
And, it was the most delicious thing she had ever smelled. The Tiger must have been packed with Spiritual Energy.
One day I will eat you… I mean, rival you.
Sun Yuying thought with noble intentions.
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The Tiger was not the only creature that she had to sneak around, though it was the strongest.
Despite this, Sun Yuying had a new goal. She would hunt the more dangerous, yet more profitable Monitor Lizards.
If she wanted to eat or grow as strong as that Tiger, she needed to acquire traits and spiritual energy from compatible, stronger things.
She now knew that Juvenile Monitor Lizards likely used plants such as the Azure Spirit Flower as bait to lure and ambush prey.
The Hornet was weak among forest denizens; it likely was only a significant danger in swarms.
Either way, she decided to do her best to spot another of those Monitor Lizards.
Eventually, she made her way to another Azure Spirit Flower, and despite the strong desire to consume it, she searched around carefully; this time, multiple Large Forest Hornets were present, though despite her best attempts, she spotted no Juvenile Monitor Lizards lying in wait.
After ruminating on whether to attempt to deal with multiple of the Hornets at once, she decided to retreat and search for another.
The Black Snake decided to focus on acquiring the trait Tough Skin first.
It was then that she caught the scent of something noteworthy; it felt similar to the Azure Spirit Flower, yet was more potent.
Following the scent, she came across a large area with thick, dense vines and numerous sturdy wood branches that intertwined with each other.
Growing on the wood were numerous pretty flowers, though the most eye-catching one was a delicate white flower that gave off a radiant light of utter purity.
Sun Yuying was transfixed on the flower, though she soon noticed a familiar creature.
Monitor Lizards? And judging by their similar size to the one I consumed, they are both Juveniles.
The Black Snake felt intimidated at the prospect of facing two of the same foe when not long ago, just one of these lizards had come close to killing her.
Though, unlike last time, she was the one with the element of surprise.
Sun Yuying's greed and pride ultimately prevailed; she viewed the white flower as her own and desired the Monitor Lizard's traits.
Letting go of such an opportunity felt impossible.
Contemplating a plan, she began to approach them, slithering underneath the wood, slowly making her way to a position where she could strike.
The Black Snake then slowed as she neared. It took every ounce of venom to kill just one of the lizards in her last altercation.
Now there were two, as she waited with patience, one of the lizards finally moved.
It seemed to be preparing to leave to search for food, whilst the other protected the spiritual plant.
Sun Yuying had been waiting for a while, and now that she saw her chance, she continued to lie silently, waiting for a period to be sure the other lizard had left.
The remaining Monitor Lizard hovered protectively over the white flower. It had thick legs and dark green scales. Even as a Juvenile, it was bulky and intimidating to the Black Snake.
Monitor Lizards were the natural enemies of her species, though she was special. Her venom was more potent than that of her counterparts', spiritual energy making it so.
At that time, the Monitor Lizard lowered its head, exposing the same area of flesh she had managed to penetrate in the previous Monitor Lizard.
Knowing this was her opportunity, she pounced with all the speed and agility she could muster, taking the lizard by absolute surprise.
Sun Yuying had not only grown stronger, but also utilised her strength as an ambush predator this time; her fang penetrated the weak point of the Juvenile Monitor Lizard’s flesh as it shrieked and tried to throw her off.
The Black Snake released its venom and felt it slacken; yet, the Lizard was still a danger. It was far physically stronger than her and was able to manoeuvre its body in an attempt to strike her vital points with its powerful jaws.
Sun Yuying moved swiftly to avoid its encroaching form as the Lizard dashed and swiped at her.
She knew the Lizard was done; it was sluggish and weakening from the venom by the second.
Yet, at that moment of triumph, a loud, harsh hissing sound came from a distance as the enraged second Juvenile Monitor Lizard that appeared to have left began closing in.
Sun Yuying, at that time, felt deeply troubled, low on venom, and an idea came to mind.
Thinking of the influence of Spiritual Energy, she avoided the poisoned Monitor Lizard, who was too slow to react, and gobbled down the beautiful white flower in one moment.
At that moment, a powerful wave of spiritual energy surged through her.
You have consumed Purelight Spirit Flower, gaining +5 Spiritual Energy.
Now that was better, feeling her venom rapidly replenish, drawing from the influx of energy, only one thought came to mind, time to deal with those Lizards.
