Ye Tianfan looked at the enormous giant snake, thinking it might want to follow him; however, its size was inconvenient to take along.

So, Ye Tianfan gestured a few times, trying to communicate through hand signals.

But the giant snake ignored Ye Tianfan, continuing to nuzzle him with its massive head.

Ye Tianfan sighed deeply, uncertain of what to do. If this was the situation, all he could do upon returning to the sect was travel along small paths and forsake city breaks.

Having decided this, Ye Tianfan turned to leave since the matters here were settled; staying was pointless.

As Ye Tianfan's steps moved outward, the giant snake grew anxious, sensing its body might be too large. Thus, the giant snake gradually shrank until it was only a finger-thick and about a foot long, wrapping itself around Ye Tianfan's wrist.

The operation stunned the four present, astonished by the snake's ability to shrink.

However, Ye Tianfan realized a serious issue: the giant snake kept nuzzling and sniffing him. Though he had no apparent odor, what was the snake smelling?

Ye Tianfan debated whether to keep the small snake with him. Although he had no choice now, he worried the snake might suddenly decide to eat him.

Wait, the smell? Could it be the spiritual power within him?

Ye Tianfan pondered, noting demon beasts tend to be sensitive to spiritual power.

Thinking this, Ye Tianfan gathered a small spiritual power ball in his hand, tentatively placing it next to the small snake.

He watched as the small snake quickly wrapped its tail around the ball, bringing it close to its mouth.

Surprisingly, instead of swallowing it directly, the snake sniffed intensely before splitting the ball into two and stuffing it into its nostrils, amusing Ye Tianfan greatly.

"It..." Yun Tian, the senior martial brother, slowly approached, staring at the small snake in Ye Tianfan's hand, unsure of what to say.

"It wants to come with me!" Ye Tianfan told Yun Tian, uncertain of how to handle the small snake. Ever since the snake wound around his wrist, Ye Tianfan clearly sensed the presence of an ancient nine-headed serpent within it, though the snake's aura was separate.

Ye Tianfan decided to take the small snake back to the sect, primarily due to its ancient aura and secondly because the Demon Sect had used an entire pool of blood to nourish it, implying they might execute some wicked ritual. Leaving it here would only give them another chance to perform such magic.

"I decided to bring it back to the sect." Ye Tianfan told Yun Tian after careful contemplation.

After overcoming his initial shock, Yun Tian realized that whether they took it or not, they shouldn't leave the giant snake here. Bringing it back for the Sect Leader Taichu Zhenren to decide was more appropriate, as they couldn't possibly stop the snake from following Ye Tianfan.

Moreover, the other individuals concurred with Ye Tianfan's decision to bring the snake back, not opposing.

Everyone looked at each other and began walking back, as their chosen path ultimately led to this cave with the blood pool. They examined the walls and found no other passageways, indicating this was the endpoint for rearing the small snake.

Although Ye Tianfan's team hadn't received Yu Shan's plea for help directly, since their mission here was resolved, they thought it would be good to assist them.

On the way back, Ye Tianfan's group boldly traveled, knowing that no enemies remained. They stepped onto their flying swords, encapsulated within a defensive magical treasure, with its brightness adjusted to illuminate their path as they flew rapidly ahead.

Before long, Ye Tianfan's group reached the junction, continuing on their flying swords directly toward the right fork.

They weren't acting arrogantly; Yu Shan's team had already traversed this path, and any existing traps were likely disposed of, allowing Ye Tianfan's team to rush through with their defensive magical treasure.

Soon, Ye Tianfan's group spotted Yu Shan's team encircled, yet they weren't in peril; rather, they maneuvered skillfully among numerous enemies. Seeing figures lying on the ground, Ye Tianfan's group realized Yu Shan's team had fought for quite some time.

Amidst Yu Shan's team's battle, a sword qi lashed past them fiercely cleaving toward the enemy. Several foes, unaware of the sword qi, were sliced in half, after which Yu Shan's team heard a shout.

"Yu Shan, master, we're here to help!"

Yu Shan's team turned to see Ye Tianfan's group arriving.

"Watch out." Yu Shan shouted anxiously toward Ye Tianfan's group, not feeling relieved at their arrival.

"It's too late!"

As Ye Tianfan's team remained vigilant, wary of what Yu Shan warned, a disdainful voice suddenly echoed from beside them.

The voice seemed familiar, and Ye Tianfan's group sensed something striking against their defensive magical treasure.

Yet the impact didn't harm Ye Tianfan's team inside the treasure.

Turning, they discovered Tian Chun, who had previously departed, was the one attacking, glaring hatefully at Ye Tianfan's group while holding a sail-like treasure full of malice and demonic qi.

Recognizing Tian Chun's betrayal to the Demon Sect was evident from his hateful eyes, Ye Tianfan's team immediately understood his allegiance wasn't forced.

Unbeknownst to Ye Tianfan and his team, the Demon Sect had intended to kill him. However, someone among them recognized Tian Chun, deciding to spare him. Otherwise, if the Celestial Fragrance Sect mounted an assault, they couldn't have approached them at all.