Previously on Urban Divine Doctor Descends the Mountain...
Lin Dong encountered a cowardly two-star Demon Emperor who recognized him as a harbinger of disaster. To save its own life, the Demon Emperor offered to lead Lin Dong to a nest of four Demon Emperors and eight Demon Kings from the Dark Ghost Snake Clan, hoping Lin Dong would spare it in exchange. Despite Dracula's warnings about potential traps, Lin Dong agreed, relying on his Spiritual Power Domain to detect danger as they journeyed to the snake clan's territory.
A shiver ran down Dracula's spine upon hearing this. "It's the Dark Ghost Snake Clan," he stated."Oh? Do you know them well?" Lin Dong inquired, curious as he had never encountered this clan before.Dracula paused, then asked, "Junior Lin, you're aware of the Ancient European Union's Dark Family, correct?""Indeed, I am. I even have a feud with them. I've eliminated a few of their members, and their Shadow Sovereign still seeks my demise," Lin Dong divulged, assuming Dracula already possessed this knowledge.Dracula nodded, confirming Lin Dong's statement. "The Dark Ghost Snake Clan has ties to the Dark Family.""Is that so? What kind of connection?"Dracula explained, "The ancestor of the Dark Family once nurtured a Dark Ghost Snake. This creature has existed for millennia and still lives today.""It now serves as the Dark Family's guardian beast. Legends claim its power is immeasurable, capable of consuming even a Secondary Ancestor." Lin Dong fell silent for a long while upon hearing this.These ancient lineages were truly formidable. Families like the Dark Family, the Bright Clan, and even Dracula's Blood Clan from the Ancient European country possessed the same deep-rooted influence as the Hidden Clan Sects of the Dragon Country.A guardian beast that could devour a Secondary Ancestor and had lived for thousands of years was a terrifying prospect. Despite his current strength, Lin Dong knew he would be no match for such a being."Then, what makes the Dark Ghost Snake Clan so unique?" Lin Dong pressed again.The name itself, Dark Ghost Snake Clan, evoked an aura of sinister peril. He understood that any demonic beast raised by the ancestor of a prestigious family like the Dark Family would be exceptional.It must possess a potent bloodline, which was likely why it earned the favor of the Dark Family's patriarch. Dracula responded, "I only know they wield Dark Power. Observe how this entire area is shrouded in absolute darkness; every cavern is saturated with it.""This Dark Power seems to isolate everything, capable of extinguishing light. My senses cannot penetrate it, and I suspect yours won't be able to either, Junior Lin?"Lin Dong nodded in agreement, confirming Dracula's suspicion. He surveyed his surroundings, noting how each cave entrance in the rocky terrain resembled a looming eye, watching their every move.He could sense numerous cold gazes peering from the depths of those caves, observing them intently."If these Dark Ghost Snakes are concealed, we won't know where they're hiding. Master, allow me to devise a plan to lure them out," the Two-Star Demon Emperor's voice echoed in Lin Dong's mind as he pondered.Lin Dong's mental reply was swift: "Very well. Announce that you've brought human sacrifices for them and entice them to emerge."The Two-Star Demon Emperor seemed relieved by Lin Dong's instruction and its voice boomed again: "Dark Ghost Snakes, I have brought three human martial artists as sacrifices for you! Emerge quickly and devour them!"However, an extended silence followed its proclamation.After several minutes, a faint green light flickered from one of the dark caverns. A pungent aroma then wafted out.A raspy voice slithered forth: "Little Black Turtle, are you truly this benevolent? Or do you have a favor to ask of us?" The Dark Ghost Snake referred to the Two-Star Demon Emperor as 'Little Black Turtle' because it was an ancient turtle, whose true name was the 'Water Shadow Demon Turtle.'The creature bowed its head, attempting to flatter the snake. "Yes, esteemed master. I am new to this place and seek your guidance. Thus, I have deceived these three humans to offer them as your feast.""Rest assured, these humans are not powerful. They are hardly a match for your clan," the creature continued.The voice from the cave responded, "Their strength is indeed meager. One is at the Fourth Layer of the Heavenly Realm, another at the Third, and the last is merely an Earth Realm martial artist. Only the Fourth Layer Heavenly Realm cultivator might prove somewhat challenging for our Dark Ghost Snake Clan.""So, esteemed Dark Ghost Snake Master, what are you waiting for? Hurry and emerge to consume them. Afterward, perhaps you could leave some scraps for me," the Two-Star Demon Emperor fawned, but still, there was no movement from within the cave.
Noticing this situation, the Two-Star Demon Emperor transmitted his thoughts to Lin Dong.
"It appears they don't fully trust me. They're likely worried about being deceived," the Two-Star Demon Emperor communicated.
Lin Dong outwardly nodded, yet inwardly, he maintained a high degree of vigilance.
He was acutely aware that in this world, where the law of the jungle prevails, every negotiation carries inherent dangers and the potential for swift reversals.
Furthermore, they were currently confronting a clan of snake emperors renowned for their profound cunning and merciless nature.
"These Dark Ghost Snakes, lurking within hidden caves, are indeed elusive and difficult to locate. They must be drawn out..."
With this thought, Lin Dong, his intent to kill palpable, fixed his gaze upon the Two-Star Demon Emperor.
Concurrently, his message transmitted, "Cooperate with me!"
Without affording it a chance to respond, Lin Dong acted with remarkable speed, swiftly subduing the Two-Star Demon Emperor.
"You treacherous creature, how dare you betray us! By offering us as a sacrifice to the Dark Ghost Snakes, you are courting your own demise."
As Lin Dong uttered these words, his sword had already descended in a sharp slash.
Naturally, Lin Dong did not dispatch the creature with a single strike.
Nor did he employ his full might.
He managed to inflict a wound upon the Two-Star Demon Emperor while skillfully concealing the true extent of his power.
Witnessing this turn of events, Dracula, standing nearby, commented, "I did warn you, one should never place trust in the words of demon beasts."
"It was unquestionably plotting to sacrifice us..."
"Allow me to finish it off!"
However, at that precise moment, a deep and prolonged hiss suddenly resonated from the deepest recesses of the stone forest cave. The sound was so profound it resembled an ancient war chant echoing through the celestial expanse.
Both Lin Dong and the Two-Star Demon Emperor's expressions shifted simultaneously; they recognized this as the response from the Black Mist Ghost Snake Clan.
They had, in truth, walked right into a carefully laid trap.
The snakes were preparing to strike!
As the hissing grew nearer, the oppressive, dark fog within the stone forest seemed to thicken further, creating an illusion of countless specters dancing within the swirling mist.
Lin Dong's grip tightened around the Yangxin Sword, bringing himself to a state of readiness for any unforeseen developments.
At this juncture, a dark serpent, enveloped in shadows, began to slither out from the depths of the stone cavern. Its eyes burned like twin stars, casting an ominous, flickering glow in the oppressive darkness.
An aura of ancient mystery emanated from its form, suggesting a being of immense power from a bygone era, commanding an undeniable sense of awe.
"You are most welcome to the territory of the Dark Ghost Snake Clan, outsiders," the dark snake's voice rumbled, low and guttural, akin to a summons from the abyss itself. "I am the Clan Chief of this region; you may address me as the Ghost Snake Emperor."
"Welcome to my domain, where you shall serve as my sustenance!"
