Chapter 23: A Stroke of Genius, Night Trip to the Demonic Temple

    Jiang Liuer remembered the Snake Captain. He had met him before, even spoken with him.

    That minor leader of Wolf Gully Cave was a massive black python who carried a halberd, appearing quite formidable.

    This Snake Captain wasn't some low-level imp. Though rage and inexplicable violent energy churned in Jiang Liuer's chest,

    he hadn't lost his rationality yet.

    Facing the monster head-on would likely end in defeat.

    How could he save Elder Faming then?

    "My advantages are threefold," Jiang Liuer analyzed. "First, the Vajra Wrath Demon Forging Body Technique grants strong defense. Second, the Gale-Soaring Falcon Step makes me faster than a thousand-li steed. Third, the Hundred-Curses Piercing Sword Art allows surprise attacks - truly formidable."

    Yet he also acknowledged weaknesses: "Three flaws exist. No experience fighting monsters. Uncertain of Snake Captain's true strength. Limited magical reserves."

    The key was minimizing weaknesses while maximizing strengths.

    "Benefactor, my injuries are sixty percent healed. I'll assist you against Snake Captain," offered Hu Yuyu. Though unaware of Elder Faming's importance, she trusted Jiang Liuer's judgment.

    "That black python only has a century of cultivation," she added. "Less powerful than Wolf Wuji."

    When Jiang Liuer asked about cultivation comparisons between Buddhist and Daoist systems,

    Hu Yuyu explained: "Monster strength varies by talent. Some century-old demons move stars, others barely speak human tongue. That python's likely equivalent to Daoist Refining Essence stage or Buddhist Desire Realm meditation. Stronger than my First Stage cultivation."

    Jiang Liuer noted Hu Yuyu's own talent - fifteen years old yet already at First Stage.

    Though slightly inferior to his Second Stage progress.

    Suddenly he remembered the chat group's powerful mentors.

    [Jiang Liuer]: "Elders! Emergency! My savior Elder Faming was captured by century-old snake demon!"

    After explaining the situation,

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang] responded: "Faming... that stubborn old monk. Saved both our versions across worlds."

    A red envelope notification popped up.

    [Muscular Tang Sanzang]: "Use this Golden Elixir to annihilate that serpent. It grants god-slaying power for one incense stick's time - enough to battle heavenly soldiers. Then come for antidote."

    The weighty golden pill in Jiang Liuer's palm nearly dropped when hearing the caveat:

    "Without antidote after burning time, you die."

    Though warned about overdependence, Jiang Liuer stored the emergency trump card.

    En route to the abandoned shrine, inspiration struck in a bamboo grove.

    Testing his Hundred-Curses technique on bamboo spears, Jiang Liuer found they could be single-use magical projectiles.

    Nineteen enchanted spears later,

    "Let's rescue Elder Faming!"

    ...

    In the dilapidated shrine,

    Elder Faming awoke bound as the snake demon cursed about Jiang Liuer's delay.

    "Amitabha..." he prayed silently. 'Flee, child! Don't mind this old-'

    "Snake Captain! Jiang Liuer is here!"

    The shout shattered Faming's hopes.

    Battle commenced.