[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-beyond-the-passage-of-time":3,"chapter-beyond-the-passage-of-time-beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-7":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Beyond the Passage of Time",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2344447,4583,"Chapter 7: Treating You to a Meal","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-7",7,"\u003Cp>While Xu Qing was observing the environment of the combat zone, following the clamor from the surrounding spectator stands, a loud boom echoed from the gate where Xu Qing’s group had just walked through, and a massive wooden door slammed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It crashed heavily onto the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sound was like a horn being blown, making the scavengers all around even more excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing noticed that on the high platform at the very front, a middle-aged man in a brocade robe was sitting in the seat of honor, accompanied by a group of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of the distance, his appearance was somewhat blurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But clearly, this person’s status was not ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even from this far away, Xu Qing could feel that the spiritual energy fluctuations on the man were extremely dense, exceeding everyone he had ever seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This made Xu Qing vigilant, while at the same time, he had a guess in his heart: this person was most likely the camp master of this camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because beside the man, Xu Qing saw the man with the three-pronged beard from yesterday, hunched over, seemingly reporting carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as the camp master took his seat, the man with the three-pronged beard stood on the high platform and made a gesture toward the area below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, another wooden door on the edge of the beast arena opened, and the roars and growls of fierce beasts, no longer blocked by the wooden door, rang out more clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following the sounds, a group of scavengers appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were divided into four small teams, three people per team, each carrying a huge iron cage as they slowly walked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the iron cages, the fierce beasts roared and lunged about, as if they wanted to tear the cages apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing looked over rapidly, sweeping his gaze across these four iron cages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw two giant wolves inside, one large and one small, but both had sharp teeth, pitch-black bodies, and eyes revealing a blood-red hue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large amounts of saliva dripped from their mouths, and when they looked at the five of them, they all revealed a ferocious intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was also a red-furred bear with thick arms larger than an adult’s thigh; its expression was full of irritability as it constantly shook the iron cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three scavengers who carried it were having a very difficult time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the fierce beast in the last iron cage, its momentum was clearly much weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a long-armed ape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its entire body was covered in pustules that seemed as if they would burst at the slightest touch; in particular, it seemed to be in great pain, constantly slamming into the iron cage, causing the pustules to rupture continuously, a shocking sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their appearance caused the surrounding audience to boil over once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two youths beside Xu Qing turned pale instantly, the little girl’s eyes were filled with extreme terror, and even the young man who was already a scavenger was clearly much more nervous now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are there four?\" Xu Qing wondered, looking at the open wooden door passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he looked over, the four roaring, struggling beasts suddenly went quiet, as if they had been intimidated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, a massive iron cage, nearly twice the size of the ones they were in, was slowly carried out from the wooden door by six scavengers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the appearance of the iron cage, gasps of surprise immediately broke out among the surrounding audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Giant Horned Python!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time the camp master actually brought a Giant Horned Python, though it makes sense; in the camp master's eyes, this thing isn't worth much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For these little brats, whoever draws this thing is as good as dead. Even if we encounter it in the wild, it takes two people risking their lives to kill it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fierce beast inside that iron cage was, shockingly, a giant python.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body was as thick as an adult’s waist, its entire body gray-black with dark patterns; if one looked closely at the dark patterns, they seemed to depict mountain peaks like horns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It lay coiled in the cage without moving, its massive head slightly raised, its yellow slit pupils cold as it looked at the outside world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under its gaze, both the giant wolves and the long-armed ape were trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the red bear let out a low growl when stimulated, appearing to resist, but in reality, its body was slowly retreating until it reached the edge of its cage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please don't let me draw it, please don't let me draw it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Xu Qing, the two youths were trembling and whispering prayers, but a sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew about this Giant Horned Python; when he was in the slums, he had seen people from the city hunt this python and carry its corpse back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had also heard experienced people around him say that this python had great strength; once it coiled around something, even giant trees would be crushed, and its skin was very thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, its body was clumsy, and its speed was relatively slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its gallbladder possessed good medicinal properties, which could resolve some of the pollution in the body, and the snake meat was also very nourishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Xu Qing’s mind recalled that Master Lei had once said he liked to eat snake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as for snakes, he had caught many when he was a child, so he licked his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, the alienation points on his body were becoming increasingly dark with his cultivation; during his practice yesterday, there had even been faint prickling sensations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing pondered that if he could eat the gallbladder of this python, it should resolve quite a lot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he was staring intently at the Giant Horned Python, the drawing of lots began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the scavengers arranged by the man with the three-pronged beard brought over five bamboo slips, each slip was marked with the name of the beast one had to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man went up first to draw, and after seeing what he had drawn, he was visibly relieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it was the turn of the two youths and the little girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the first two drew their slips amidst prayers, their expressions were somewhat bitter, but when the little girl looked at the slip in her hand, her eyes revealed despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had drawn the Giant Horned Python, and the last remaining slip was the small wolf, which was clearly the weakest of the five beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing held his bamboo slip, his brows slightly furrowed as he fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, after the scavengers retreated and the trial participants were arranged in a corner simply blocked off, the first trial began amidst the cheers of the spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one arranged to go out first was one of the two youths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked out shivering, and the beast he had to fight was the thick red bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle process was quick; the youth was no match for the red bear at all. After barely trading a few blows, he was pounced on by the red bear and, in despair, his body was torn apart directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood splattered everywhere, ushering in a roar from the crowd, accompanied by regretful cursing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene scared the other youth so much that his body trembled uncontrollably; originally supposed to be the second to go up, he suddenly shouted that he wanted to give up the trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, amidst the boos, Xu Qing watched as this youth was taken away by the scavengers; the outcome was self-evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third was the young man who was already a scavenger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had drawn the larger black wolf; his experience as a scavenger made him more ruthless than ordinary people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a thrilling life-and-death struggle, he killed the wolf while panting and nursing his injuries, becoming the first success of this trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gate opened, and he clutched his chest and left freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fourth... was the little girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the iron cage holding the Giant Horned Python was opened, the little girl gritted her teeth in trembling, and in despair, she was about to walk past Xu Qing to face the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then, Xu Qing suddenly spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's switch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little girl was stunned, and before she could react, Xu Qing had already swapped his bamboo slip with hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking the slip inscribed with the Giant Horned Python, he didn't pay attention to the little girl’s grateful gaze and walked toward the Giant Horned Python.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he entered, the scavengers watching from the sides, having clearly seen the order before, began to jeer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But apart from those who had placed bets on him and the little girl, others wouldn't care about such things; they wouldn't, and the camp master wouldn't either—everything was a matter of survival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the beast arena, Xu Qing walked calmly toward the iron cage, and the Giant Horned Python inside looked at Xu Qing coldly, slowly crawling out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As its thick body poked out of the iron cage, its scales scraped against the iron bars, emitting a series of harsh, grating sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Animal instinct made it realize that the youth before it was somewhat different from the prey it usually encountered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So after crawling out, the Giant Horned Python did not launch an attack immediately, but instead coiled up outside the cage, its head held high, staring at the approaching Xu Qing with vigilance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene made the surrounding audience interested, and the jeering quieted down a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing’s expression remained normal as he stepped closer. Perhaps it was because he had entered the Giant Horned Python’s attack range, or perhaps it was stimulated by his aura, but the coldness in the python’s yellow slit pupils intensified instantly, and its tail slammed against the ground, emitting a booming sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its body then used the force from that sound to lunge out, its massive mouth opening in mid-air, revealing sharp teeth and emitting a foul, fishy stench as it whistled toward Xu Qing, intending to swallow him whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing narrowed his eyes, watching the rapidly approaching Giant Horned Python coldly. The moment it got close, his body swayed to avoid it. He chose not to take the opportunity to strike, nor did he pay attention to the massive python head that had just passed by him; instead, his eyes revealed a sharp glint, and like a hunter, he closely observed the python’s abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under his observation, the Giant Horned Python missed, a low growl coming from its throat. It twisted its body, and its tail suddenly whipped out from behind, also kicking up a harsh whistling sound as it lashed fiercely at Xu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hunting instinct caused the Giant Horned Python to force its head to turn at this moment, with its tail behind and head in front, as if they were a circle about to close, rushing straight at Xu Qing as if to coil around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing remained silent, his gaze still fixed on the Giant Horned Python’s abdomen. Just as the snake tail neared, he suddenly clenched his right hand into a fist and threw a punch the moment the tail lashed out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although his cultivation of the Sea Mountain Art was only at the first level, the physical enhancement it gave Xu Qing was still significant. At this moment, the snake tail was struck and recoiled directly, preventing the head and tail from connecting. The Giant Horned Python was clearly in some pain, but this non-fatal injury only increased its ferocity. With red eyes, it slammed its head forward, biting at Xu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Qing’s eyes narrowed, a sharp glint shining. He had finally found the spot he was looking for. At this moment, he stepped forward instead of retreating, sticking close to the upper-middle region of the Giant Horned Python’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his right hand and threw a powerful punch—one punch, two punches, three punches...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Punch after punch rained down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact from Xu Qing forced the Giant Horned Python to retreat continuously, its hissing becoming more intense as it tried to coil around Xu Qing, but the power contained in Xu Qing’s fists made it difficult for its head and tail to touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the abdomen being struck, because the scales were relatively thin, after several punches, it was actually shattered by Xu Qing, blood seeping out, its resilience compromised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, without waiting for the Giant Horned Python to change its posture, a cold, sharp glint flashed in Xu Qing’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His left hand immediately drew the dagger tied to his lower leg, and amidst the cold glint of the blade, he stabbed it with extreme speed directly into the Giant Horned Python’s flesh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It broke through instantly, and he slashed it fiercely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood splattered everywhere, and amidst the Giant Horned Python’s shrill hiss, a shocking wound was slashed open in its abdomen, revealing the snake gallbladder within its cavity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This snake was large, but it had clearly mutated; the gallbladder was very small, like an egg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing did not hesitate in the slightest; he raised his right hand and reached deep into the cavity, grabbed the gallbladder, and pulled hard. Amidst the Giant Horned Python’s shrill roar, he ripped the gallbladder out alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fresh blood sprayed, dripping onto the sand and soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the bloodstains, Xu Qing held the gallbladder, his eyes revealing a strange glint, and in front of the scavengers with their various expressions, he put it directly into his mouth and swallowed it in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he swallowed calmly, the Giant Horned Python, having had its gallbladder ripped out alive, struggled crazily in pain, hissing shrilly, its body slamming against the ground and kicking up dust as if trying to vent its excruciating agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its head slammed violently toward Xu Qing, its red eyes revealing madness, its massive mouth opened to the limit, as if it wanted to swallow Xu Qing whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing cast a cold glance, and the moment his opponent drew near, he suddenly leaped into the air; after dodging the incoming head, he waved his right hand while still mid-air, and the black iron skewer instantly appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lowering his head, a flash of killing intent crossed his eyes, and he sank his body downward with great force, utilizing his own strength, speed, and weight to maximize the impact of the iron skewer, thrusting it fiercely toward the snake's heart region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shattering the snake scales, it pierced through with irresistible force, driving in with a single strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a boom, the Great-Horned Python trembled violently, as if it had lost the strength to support its body, and its head and tail crashed heavily to the ground; its shrill hiss ceased abruptly at that instant, leaving only the sound of its tail weakly slapping against the ground to echo all around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while... as the dust settled, the scavengers watching the battle were all taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many stood up, one by one gazing with solemn expressions at the youth in the arena who was currently pulling the iron skewer from the snake's corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If an adult had slain the Great-Horned Python in such a manner, it would not have elicited such expressions from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for a child who looked thin and small to be able to cleanly and efficiently take the snake's gallbladder to swallow, then kill it in a single strike, all while maintaining a cold, indifferent expression that never changed from start to finish—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was extremely rare in the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The little wolf and the red bear in the cage to the side were clearly also frightened, shivering there at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This did not seem like a trial, but a hunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the gaze of the crowd all around, the youth put away the iron skewer, gripped the wound of the Great-Horned Python with one hand, and walked toward the gate of the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, blood from the Great-Horned Python was dragged into a red line, a shocking sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside the gate, the massive door had not yet opened, and Xu Qing turned his head to look at the high platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before long, the man with the three-tufted mustache on the high platform finally reacted, and with lingering trepidation, he immediately signaled; soon... the gate opened with a booming sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It revealed Captain Lei, who had been waiting for a long time outside the door, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Xu Qing with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I stay at your place now?\" Xu Qing asked, dragging the snake corpse and looking up at Captain Lei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can,\" Captain Lei laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing nodded and tossed the snake corpse in his hand over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You like eating snake; this is for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Captain Lei was stunned, then burst into hearty laughter; he caught the corpse of the Great-Horned Python and, amidst his laughter, led Xu Qing away into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not until they had walked far away did a boiling uproar erupt within the arena.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And amidst this clamor, in a corner of the crowd, there sat an old man wearing a purple robe, accompanied by a middle-aged man who looked like a servant and had a five-pointed star totem on his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sat there, and although their attire and bearing were completely out of place with the surrounding environment, it seemed no one could see them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the camp leader had no image of them in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man had a ruddy complexion, and his eyes contained actual thunder, as if a mere release could destroy everything; he was an extraordinary individual, and as he sat there watching Xu Qing's receding figure, he could not help but laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This youth is interesting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2981,"2026-06-21T00:45:15.441Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","9479acc5cde45031f47b541d26940b5ffc287150da5f9cf603161007dd5cfdb3","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-8","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-6",998,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbeyond-the-passage-of-time-cover.jpg"]