NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Shadows of the Coiled Serpent
Chapter 16: Shadows of the Coiled Serpent
The city streets bustled with life, but Kayode walked in quiet contemplation. Oba perched on his shoulder, his golden eyes surveying the surroundings with a mixture of disdain and wariness. The events of the past few days lingered in Kayode's mind, the weight of his actions palpable.
"You've stirred the pot," Oba said lazily. "The Coiled Serpent Sect won't take kindly to what you've done."
Kayode shrugged, gripping his staff tightly. "If they come, they'll meet the same fate. I didn't start this, but I won't run from it either."
The system's voice echoed in his mind. "Kayode, your actions have consequences, and the ripples are spreading. Prepare yourself for retaliation."
Kayode smirked. "Good. Let them come. I'll be ready."
---
As they ventured into a quieter part of the city, Kayode felt the familiar tug of curiosity. The system interface appeared before him, glowing faintly with its list of treasures and techniques.
Scanning the options, a mischievous idea crossed his mind. "System, can I summon someone famous? Maybe an actor or a comedian? Imagine the confusion when my enemies are suddenly facing someone like—Funnybros or even Mr. Ibu."
Oba snorted, amused. "That would be something, wouldn't it? The chaos alone would be worth it."
The system's response was immediate and firm. "Kayode, summoning someone recognizable—especially figures with distinct energies—may draw the attention of high-ranking experts. They might mistake such a summon for a peerless treasure, and their greed could bring untold trouble. Are you certain this is the path you wish to take?"
Kayode frowned, the weight of the system's warning sinking in. "So, it could put a target on my back?"
"Precisely," the system confirmed. "While it would undoubtedly be effective in the short term, the long-term consequences could be dire. Your power is growing, but you are not yet ready to contend with the true forces of this world."
Oba flicked his tail. "The system is right. We're not here to make a spectacle, Kayode. Focus on building your strength quietly. Leave the theatrics for later, when you can truly afford them."
Kayode sighed, dismissing the idea. "Fine. But it would've been hilarious."
---
Their light-hearted conversation was interrupted when Kayode felt a cold, oppressive aura settle over the alley ahead. His senses sharpened, and Oba's fur bristled.
"We're being watched," Oba muttered. "And it's not by amateurs."
Kayode stepped cautiously into the alley, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a group of cultivators blocking the exit. Five men in dark robes stood there, the emblem of the Coiled Serpent Sect emblazoned on their chests.
The leader, a tall man with a jagged scar across his face, stepped forward, his Qi radiating menace. "So, you're the one who killed our brothers. Did you think you could escape the wrath of the Coiled Serpent Sect?"
Kayode's expression didn't waver. "I didn't kill them to escape anything. I killed them because they deserved it."
The scarred man's eyes burned with fury. "Arrogant fool. Do you even know who you've angered? No matter—you won't live long enough to regret it."
The other cultivators spread out, their weapons drawn. The alley was narrow, leaving Kayode little room to maneuver. But his grip on his staff tightened, and the power of his bloodline stirred within him like a coiled spring.
"Oba," Kayode said calmly, "stay back."
The black dragon cat leapt off his shoulder, his golden eyes glowing faintly. "Don't hold back, Kayode. Show them why they should fear you."
---
The battle began in an instant. One of the disciples charged forward, his blade glowing with Qi. Kayode met him head-on, his staff whirling in a blur of motion. The clash of wood against metal echoed through the alley as Kayode disarmed the man with a swift strike to the wrist, following up with a blow that sent him sprawling.
Another disciple unleashed a barrage of Qi-infused daggers, but Kayode moved with precision, deflecting the projectiles with his staff before closing the distance. His strikes were relentless, each one calculated to incapacitate without mercy.
The scarred leader snarled, forming a series of hand seals. A massive serpent made of Qi materialized, its fangs glistening with venom as it lunged at Kayode.
But Kayode was ready. Channeling his bloodline, he leapt into the air, his staff glowing with fiery energy. With a powerful downward strike, he shattered the serpent into fragments, the Qi dissipating like smoke.
The remaining disciples hesitated, their confidence shaken. Kayode didn't give them a chance to recover. In a series of swift, decisive movements, he incapacitated them all, leaving the scarred leader alone.
The man dropped to his knees, his face pale. "Wait! Please, spare me! I can—"
Kayode's staff came down, silencing him before he could finish.
---
System Notification:
You have earned 250 AP for defeating the Coiled Serpent Sect disciples. Remaining balance: 330 AP.
Kayode exhaled, his breathing steady. Oba padded up to him, his tail flicking. "Well