Not far from the forest of gray spires, a small river flowed through a valley. Thousands of snakes moved with the current. Some snakes swam on the surface, while others dove and swam like dolphins. Still others, averse to the water, chose to travel along the riverbank. In the center of this serpentine procession was a black snake, immense as a cow. Its body was long and scaled, its eyes a striking yellow. Perched atop this massive creature was a bird's nest filled with colorful eggs. A red snake, Emerald Fang, was in the process of selecting which egg to eat first.

Emerald Fang considered the eggs carefully before choosing the smallest. It was pure white, resembling a perfect chicken egg, yet the snake knew it was different. With his tail, he deftly snatched the egg and tossed it into the air and caught it gracefully in his mouth. He relished the slight crunch of the shell before crushing it with his powerful jaws. A burst of yellow, transparent, and red liquid flooded his mouth, releasing a pleasant flavor that spread through him. The taste was somewhat bland, yet uniquely complex, like a two-month-old human fetus mixed with tender beef. He found it enjoyable.

Emerald Fang noticed there were no other eggs quite like it, a fact that caused a fleeting disappointment. However, with many other eggs available, his disappointment quickly faded. He was torn between a blue egg that resembled a compressed sky and a brown one that mimicked mud when a small snake, barely larger than a worm, slithered toward him.

Seeing the tiny brown snake, Emerald Fang smiled. "It has been a long time, master."

The little snake climbed onto his forehead, its tail sinking into his flesh, and then a familiar sound echoed in Emerald Fang's skull.

"How are you? What should I call you this time?"

Emerald Fang chuckled, a low vibration in his massive body. "I am well, thank you for asking, master. My name is now Emerald Fang. It is a good name, and I believe it will suit me for a long time." Though the fox who had bestowed the name was unpleasant and now deceased, the name itself resonated deeply within him.

"That is good. It is a fitting name."

"Thank you, master. Now, since you have contacted me, does this mean there is a change of plans?" Emerald Fang inquired.

About ten years prior, his master had ordered him to roam the world, gather information, eliminate any cultivators he encountered, and acquire as many names as possible. Over the past decade, he had diligently followed these instructions, offering his services to a diverse clientele, from demonic to righteous cultivators and from mortals to spirit beast. While these ten years had been entertaining, he had never forgotten his true allegiance.

"No. I simply wanted confirmation regarding the news about the Purple Moon Sect."

"What specifically do you wish to confirm, master?" Emerald Fang asked.

"Is it true that the Purple Moon Sect is unleashing all their outer disciples to gather treasures? Is this information accurate?"

"Yes," Emerald Fang replied without hesitation. This sect was orchestrating a significant event that had captured the attention of numerous factions. Although his master's primary mission remained paramount, Emerald Fang's abilities allowed him to gather intelligence more efficiently than his brothers. One of his kin had already transmitted details about the unfolding event. "This event is recent. Some of my kin have already encountered disciples from the Purple Moon Sect on missions to procure treasures. From what I have gathered, the Purple Moon Sect is currently holding a competition. Each outer disciple must obtain at least one treasure. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the sect. Furthermore, the three disciples who acquire the most valuable treasures will be promoted to inner disciples. It is a significant event, and many are already discussing it."

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One of his kin was currently shadowing a male disciple tasked with acquiring a pill that would accelerate cultivation but also alter the consumer's gender. It was a peculiar item, as Emerald Fang knew many humans were averse to gender transformation. This particular disciple was deeply conflicted about whether to ingest the pill to advance his cultivation or return it to the sect.

"Is that so? This is troubling," his master stated.

Emerald Fang's curiosity was piqued. As far as he understood, his master's plan was not directly affected by this competition. In fact, it presented a prime opportunity to eliminate some disciples and weaken the Purple Moon Sect in the long run. "May I ask why this is troublesome?"

"Certainly, it is not difficult to understand," his master said casually. "The Purple Moon Sect is known for its caution. They observe matters meticulously before making decisions. However, this event seems to be something they have not considered at length. It feels rather sudden."

"In what way?" Emerald Fang asked. While he was responsible for information gathering, his master was the one who analyzed and interpreted it. His master often claimed he was not particularly intelligent, merely capable of seeing things from different angles. Yet, in Emerald Fang's estimation, his master's insights far surpassed his own, despite Emerald Fang being a sentient and intelligent spirit beast.

"Do you know the reason behind this competition?" his master asked.

"Indeed. The third son of the Purple Moon Sect's patriarch will soon turn ten and become betrothed. The treasures the outer disciples collect are intended as gifts for the grand celebration."

"Precisely. And do you know when this celebration will take place?"

Emerald Fang paused, realizing he did not know. When he admitted his ignorance, his master responded, "I also do not know the exact date, nor who this Hao Yun child will be engaged to. I predict the announcement of this mysterious girl will also cause a stir in the world, which is another matter of concern entirely. But let us return to the date of Hao Yun's birthday and engagement party. While the exact date is unknown, we know it is less than a year away."

"Ah," Emerald Fang nodded. It all became clear. A year was not a long time. If the Purple Moon Sect was as cautious as his master described, such a grand event would require extensive preparation, likely spanning five, perhaps even ten years. After all, the Purple Moon Sect was a great sect, and a poorly executed celebration would be a significant loss of face.

"Now, consider the implications. Their abandonment of their usual caution suggests they are in a hurry. Why are they in such haste? There could be numerous reasons. They might feel threatened, perceive movements from other great sects, or foresee a major event on the horizon. Any number of possibilities exist."

"Do you have a guess, master?"

"Honestly, I do not. However, I am certain the Purple Moon Sect's actions will raise eyebrows and unsettle the other great sects. They will likely ponder the same questions as we do, and their reactions could be drastic. I predict this move by the Purple Moon Sect might escalate skirmishes between the five great sects."

Emerald Fang nodded. He understood his master's line of reasoning. Increased skirmishes would heighten the sects' vigilance, and heightened vigilance would increase the risk of their presence being detected.

"In any case, there is also the chance that this event holds no deeper meaning, so do not overthink it. Continue to roam the world, eliminate as many cultivators as you can, and amass as many names as you possibly can. However, I wish to slightly adjust your mission. Instead of targeting any cultivators, I want you to begin focusing on young and talented disciples, similar to your brothers."

Hearing this, Emerald Fang smiled. He had a new directive, and new directives were always stimulating. "I will obey your command, master."

"Good. It is fortunate that all of you are so compliant. Sometimes, I feel a pang of guilt about it."

"You have no need to feel guilt regarding us. Carrying out your commands is a pleasure for us. You are, after all, our one and only master."

"Thank you," his master said softly, and Emerald Fang could almost visualize his gentle smile. "Regardless, now that I have your confirmation, I will conclude this communication. Unless you have anything else of interest to share?"

Emerald Fang paused for a moment, and indeed, something interesting had recently occurred. "Master, recently, I encountered a cultivator who did not attempt to kill me."

"Oh? Really?"

"Yes. It was an interesting experience."

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