】Apophis felt an overwhelming surge of power after his transformation, no longer content with small prey like rabbits or pheasants. His instincts drove him to hunt larger creatures. He opened his green status screen, revealing exciting new potential.

[Host: Apophis]
[Species: Python (Adult)]
[Status: Monster Transformation (11/100)]
[Lifespan: 3/50]
[Length: 8 meters (Upgradeable)]
[Species Skill: Constriction Power Lv1 (Upgradeable)]
[Scientific Knowledge: 17/20]
[Cultivation Technique: Monster Qi Absorption (Basic)]
[Strength Enhancement: 7/10]
[Potential Points: 1]

Apophis had grown to an impressive eight meters, classified as an adult. More than that, the screen displayed upgradeable stats for both his body length and species-specific abilities. What intrigued him most was the new potential point.

“Could this point be used to improve my body or skills?” he thought. His transformation progress hadn't shifted, but that wasn’t a concern for now. Perhaps these points only worked on physical upgrades, like his constriction power or growth, while cultivation abilities depended on other factors.

Though mere size wasn’t enough to propel his cultivation, it was time for a choice—either grow longer or enhance his constricting abilities. After a moment of thought, Apophis opted to focus on his constriction power, knowing it would be his most lethal weapon.

"Upgrade Constriction Power!"

With his choice made, the status screen flickered.

[Species Skill: Constriction Power Lv2]

Apophis immediately felt the rush of newfound strength flowing through his body. His muscles tightened, his senses sharp and ready to test his improvements. Exiting the cave, he basked in the sunlight for a moment, despite having missed his morning Qi absorption session. That could wait. What mattered now was seeing just how much stronger he’d become.

Slithering quietly through tall grass toward a nearby swamp, Apophis caught sight of a rabbit darting into the underbrush. His tongue flicked eagerly—finally, something to test his newfound power on.

In an instant, Apophis lunged at the rabbit, swiftly wrapping his body around its legs. The creature fought back, kicking and scratching at his scales, but Apophis squeezed tighter. The constricting force surged through him, and the rabbit's struggles grew weaker.

Just as he was about to finish it, a low growl caught his attention. Apophis froze. The sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the swamp—he wasn't alone. A wolf, drawn by the noise of the struggle, had found him. Apophis felt his muscles tense, the situation quickly escalating. He couldn't afford to hesitate. With a final squeeze, he crushed the rabbit before lashing out at the approaching predator.

His tail whipped through the air and struck the wolf, but it only fueled the beast’s aggression. It lunged, sinking its sharp teeth into his tail. Apophis hissed in pain as blood oozed from the wound, but he refused to back down. Twisting around, he sank his fangs into the wolf’s neck, injecting venom deep into its veins.

The wolf convulsed for a moment before collapsing into the tall grass. Apophis, bleeding and battered, surveyed the scene. He had won, but barely. His body was covered in scratches, scales ripped off, and blood trickling from open wounds. If he stayed here, more predators would come.

“I need to get out of here,” he thought, his vision beginning to blur from the blood loss and exhaustion.

Dragging his injured body away from the battlefield, Apophis struggled to find shelter. The fight had taken him far from his cave, and the surrounding area felt unfamiliar. Desperation gnawed at him as his strength waned. After some time, he found a narrow crevice between two large rocks.

With no time to lose, he squeezed his body into the crack and collapsed, hidden from view. Safe for the moment, he finally allowed the overwhelming exhaustion to consume him, slipping into unconsciousness.