Deep in the valley, only the sound of the wind whispers.

The rock valley lies ahead, yet the ground suddenly dips, like a massive scar, appearing quite oppressive.

It seems as if a colossal creature once passed through here, leaving deep impressions on the ground.

Louis raised his hand to signal everyone to stop: "Do not make a sound."

Everyone immediately slowed their steps, not uttering a word, and slowly approached the gorge.

Amidst the ice and snow at the bottom of the valley, the massive outline appeared faintly, coils of the serpent's body piled up like a hill.

This was an Ice Vein Giant Snake, in deep slumber.

A thin layer of frost formed on its scales, reflecting an eerie gleam, sending a chill down one's spine.

The diameter of its body was as thick as a house, its length winding several tens of meters, coiled among the ice rocks, truly a giant in every sense.

The snake's head rested on a boulder ahead, and from the closed eye slits, deep blue patterns were vaguely visible, while its half-exposed fangs exuded a chilling aura.

Its breathing was extremely slow; each exhalation brought forth a layer of frost.

Even while in hibernation at this moment, it emitted a suffocating oppressive aura.

The instant the knights laid eyes on this massive creature, their breaths nearly halted.

Some stared wide-eyed, their spears trembling slightly in their hands; some instinctively stepped back, their faces turning pale.

Even Lambert swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing visibly.

But Louis, gazing at the massive figure, remained unusually calm, having mentally prepared himself beforehand.

Seeing everyone's mindset seemed off, he first softly ordered, "Everyone, retreat outside the valley."

With a wave of his hand, everyone quietly retreated from the valley as if relieved of a heavy burden.

Only when they returned to the valley's entrance, far from the slumbering magical beast, was the oppressive silence finally broken.

"That's the Ice Vein Giant Snake, isn't it? I saw a picture in the magical beast bestiary, not even a third of its real size."

"Such a monster really exists..."

"Oh heavens, if that thing was awake, with the number of people we have, we couldn't even scratch its skin."

Everyone whispered in hushed tones, growing more terrified yet carrying a hint of excitement.

At this moment, Louis raised his hand and gently pressed down: "Quiet."

Everyone immediately fell silent.

He squinted towards the valley: "This is an opportunity almost impossible to come by again.

You all saw the Ice Vein Giant Snake is hibernating, so we don't need to face its fury while awake.

As long as we strike fatally, we can claim a great hunt."

He paused, a confident smile curling his lips: "And once we kill it, everyone gets hot snake soup tonight."

The mention of "snake soup" slightly relaxed the tension that had been strung tighter than a bow.

The knights exchanged glances, unable to stop their mouths from curling upwards.

They didn't shout, fearing to wake the distant snake, but the excitement almost leapt from their eyes.

"This is no ordinary magical beast." A young knight beside said in a low voice, his tone filled with uncontrollable eagerness, "It's said to nourish bloodlines and enhance cultivation!"

"If I could drink a bowl of snake bone soup, I might even improve further," an older knight stated excitedly.

"Shh." Seeing the crowd getting restless, someone quickly raised a finger, "Don't cause a disturbance, do you want it to wake up?"

Therefore, the crowd quieted down once more.

But the brightness in their eyes had already quietly ignited.

It wasn't just a pure desire to hunt, but an instinctual thirst to surpass their own limitations.

After all, the Ice Vein Giant Snake, even in the Northern Territory, ranks among the top magical beasts.

Its scales, blood, bones, bile, meat… each part is worth a fortune.

The snake meat, almost every piece, is a great tonic for nourishment and strengthening the body.

And now, their Lord Louis said he would distribute the snake meat for them to eat, how could they not be excited?

Moreover, no one was surprised or doubted the lord's generosity.

After all, this was Louis, a lord who always followed through and never let his followers down.

Even despite the Northern Territory's lack of support, they could eat and drink their fill daily, with demon beast meat occasionally improving their meals!

This was something they never dared to dream of before coming here.

As if by following Louis, good fortune inevitably followed.

For this, don't mention the Ice Vein Giant Snake, even a Frost Giant Dragon, we'd charge in relentlessly!

Loyalty!

While everyone was visibly excited yet dared not make a sound, Louis subtly beckoned Lambert and a few elite knights.

They quietly withdrew to one side of the valley's entrance, huddled in a small circle for a secret conversation.

"We have only one chance," Louis said softly, "The target is the neck and head junction of the giant snake. Beneath the thin scales is the snake's nerve center."

As he spoke, he drew a dagger, sketching the snakehead's outline in the snow, and pointed at the rear neck.

"This spot can kill with one blow, and it must, else if it wakes up... it will be trouble."

Lambert, with a steady expression, nodded: "I understand. I'll take twelve of the steadiest brothers, quietly approach, then swiftly settle it."

"Very good," said Louis, looking at him, "And the other knights will deploy discretely. If we fail, they will immediately provide ranged suppression, preventing its escape or counterattack."

With that, he opened the accompanying black box.

Inside, twelve short-handled spears were neatly arranged.

The spear shafts were crafted from the dark gray bones of magical beasts, with spearheads embedded with magic crystals containing Demon Marrow.

"These are 'Armor-Piercing Flame Spears'. Though their power is far less than 'Ice and Fire Two Realms', once they hit, the magic marrow within the crystals will explode, generating high-temperature, high-pressure impact sufficient to break open its neck scales."

Louis spoke calmly, his gaze firm: "If you strike that spot, it won't last more than a few seconds."

The elite knights silently took the weapons, none of them backed down.

"After one strike, retreat immediately; even if we fail, preserve life first," Louis added.

This statement caused all the knights to tremble slightly, then they showed expressions of gratitude.

"Good luck," Louis said, finally.

The knights immediately bowed their heads in silent, solemn salute, expressing deep respect and affection for the young lord.

And their eyes glinted with nearly uncontrollable brilliance.

The chance to personally hunt an Ice Vein Giant Snake might only come once in a lifetime.

Then the team quietly dispersed, with Lambert leading thirteen elite knights, sliding down the valley like phantoms against the icy rocks.

The other knights quickly deployed around, holding their breath and waiting.

Deep in the valley, the large slumbering snake continued its slow breaths, frost quietly spreading across its snout, oblivious to the hunters' approach.

Lambert, leading twelve elite knights, stepped lightly on the snow.

Each step was taken with utmost care and full concentration.

After all, a one-shot kill, there's only one chance.

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