Chapter 79
The White Snake Sage fell into deep thought, watching as the Seiryū (Azure Dragon) vanished without a trace. Her gaze shifted to Zixu, who stood there, smiling apologetically. The cave was silent—almost unnervingly so.
"Well... if I told you that I was training in Sennin Mōdo (Sage Mode) and reached the level of reverting to my original form, would you believe me?" Zixu offered, making up nonsense on the spot. He didn't expect them to buy it, but he figured it was worth a try.
Princess Ichikishimahime, who had been curled up on the ground with her hands over her head, slowly peeked up. Only after confirming that the Dragon was gone did she cautiously get to her feet. She hesitated before approaching Zixu, then picked up a stone pillar and gave him a light poke. After confirming that he was solid and real, she finally dared to step closer.
"It's really you... What was that? That Azure Dragon—was it really the result of Sage Mode training? You look kinda exhausted." Ichikishimahime's eyes gleamed with curiosity. Could Sage Mode really be that powerful? She had always thought the whole concept was exaggerated. After all, not even the White Snake Sage had achieved the legendary Ryūka (Dragon Transformation).
Zixu took a deep breath, still adjusting from the transformation. He had yet to fully control his Ryūka, and every time he used it, the strain on his body was immense. Fortunately, his endurance and recovery rate were exceptional. Otherwise, his power would've drained him dry by now.
"I'll be fine. Just consider it part of my training," he said nonchalantly. Feeling a gnawing hunger, he rummaged through a sealed scroll and pulled out some food. Squatting down, he began to eat.
The White Snake Sage finally spoke, her voice carrying a tinge of awe. "Young one... I never imagined you would reach such a level..."
The initial shock had passed, but the lingering excitement remained. Her massive serpentine form began to shrink, twisting and morphing until she took on the guise of a short, wrinkled old woman.
Tagorihime and Tagitsuhime stepped forward, studying Zixu with keen interest. They reached out, touching his arms, poking his stomach, examining his face with curious fingers.
Annoyed, Zixu waved them off mid-bite. "Oi! Cut that out!"
Tagorihime smirked. "I still prefer your battle form—hulking muscles, horns, the whole thing. Muscles are romantic."