The Yuanrang Monster Hunter
25. Xi Lake

After four days of preparation, finally the hunting day had arrived. The warriors will hunt the giant water snakes that attack the inhabitants. Yudhishthira had to participate in this mission because in addition to being large and poisonous, he did not want his disciples dragged into the water. Killing amphibious enemies in the water is very troublesome. Unless there's a lightning controller between them. With lightning control, just sting when in the water. The water monster will sting too.

“Guru must have faced water monsters many times. First time encountering a water creature, How can gu deal with it?” ask Yuanrang.

“Iya. All this time we only faced land monsters,” said Miaocai.

“Good questions. You dig someone's first experience,” said Yudhistira, “But my first experience was too easy to set an example. Not suitable for those of you who are first time. Because I used to be with the perfect team to hunt. Perfect by control I mean. We hunted sea snakes on the west coast of India. My first brother, Bima, he was able to control the land and rocks. He also has above normal physical abilities. Our defense is very good. The attack was no less good. My second sister, Arjuna, she's capable of controlling electricity. Snakes have no choice. On land he was hit and in the water he was also hit. Then, my two twin sisters, Nakula and Sadewa, were part of the supporting attack. They're both experts in medicine so we don't have to worry about poisoning. They have prepared a bidder with a large number and quality that is not in doubt. What age was that? As I recall, a few years older than you guys.”

“Well, had there been a lightning controller between us,” Yuanrang said.

“But the teacher has also prepared a bidder,” said Mengde, “Maybe, if the water business, we do need to be careful. But if it's poison business, we don't need to worry.”

“Stay careful, Mengde,” said Yudhistira, “Indeed I learned the science of poison identification and the manufacture of antidotes from Nakula and Sadewa. But I'm still not as good as them. Automatic, the quality of my homemade poison cure is not as good as the two of my twin sisters.”

Xing Lian also helped the four warriors to hunt the giant snake. Just like before, he served as a logistics transfer and messenger. In fact, four warriors were also escorted by the army. But the soldiers only to the safe limit is at the mouth of the forest before the waters. Xing Lian was instrumental in connecting the four warriors with the soldiers. The soldiers linked the field conditions to the ruler. Although Xing Lian's role was only as a support, she was still armed. The fastest and best horse. Just in case.

“Where are Master Yudhistira's younger brothers now?” Xing Lian said.

“They spread all over the world to teach. Just like I am now in East Asia. Bima taught in the Roman Empire. Arjuna taught in Persia. Nakula and Sadewa joined the Silk Road protective forces,” Yudhistira said.

“Ah, so,” Xing Lian sighed.

“It is a good idea if your intention is to ask for their help,” said Yudhistira, “But we cannot expect their help because the distance is obviously very far. Like we were all in the Han Dynasty, they had their own busy lives.”

“Teacher Yudhistira, who exactly are you?” said Xing Lian.

“As you know, I'm just an ordinary brahmin. Hermit from India who was ascetic and teaching in the Han Dynasty,” Yudhistira's smile.

“Can I find out more specific?”

“How specific, Young Miss?”

“You look to have a lot of experience with monsters. Your wisdom is also very high.”

“Ah, you praise me too much. For experience, I have worked as a monster hunter in India, the Roman Empire and China. He also helped the silk path protectors. Well, just a few times. Not many. But, in my opinion, my experience is only a little. I still have to keep learning, learning and learning. This world is vast, Xing Lian. My knowledge is only a few percent of what is in this world. If you think I'm wise, this isn't something that comes from myself either. During my monster hunt, I also learned from many people who had different knowledge and experience. I think I'm far from wise.”

The disciples of Yudhishthira were silent and listened to his teacher's explanation. They knew who Yudhishthira was. Their teacher was far from amazing from the explanation just now. They even understood the very nature of Yudhishthira. But the disciples of Yudhishthira did not want to spread the identity and background of his teacher. They were very loyal to Yudhishthira.

The background of Yudhistira itself is basically very complex. Yudhistira was a hero when the world was still in the era of Indian Mythology. In the past he was also a king who ruled a beautiful and prosperous country called Indraprasta Kingdom. After defeating their cunning cousins, Yudhishthira took control of Hastinapura. It was from Hastinapura that Yudhishthira ruled over all of India. During the struggle, she was assisted by her four younger siblings. Many times, the five of them are called Pandavas. Perhaps the question arises, how can a king who is full of treasure then become a brahmana whose life is more difficult?

After knowing the special signs that occur in nature as well as certain events in India, the Pandavas decided to abandon worldly life. Leaving their lives from the Kshatriya caste to become Brahmins. While living life as a Brahmin, a God appeared before them. Give them a choice for penance. Basically, Pandavas are good people. However, as human beings, they still do not escape sin. The God gave two choices: Atone for sins in the afterlife or live a life in the world and teach the humans in the next generation? The Pandavas chose the second alternative. Perhaps for people as good as them, it did not take long to undergo penance in the afterlife. But, they considered that the wrathful angkara should be dammed.

Then how could a person born thousands of years ago still be alive today? Because of the consequences of this penance, the god changed the Pandavas to Amar. Amar is from Indian language. If translated, it means eternal. Amar is a small part of humans who are long-lived. The Amar cannot age. Their physical condition was equivalent to that of a normal human being twenty-five to thirty-five years old. Cannot die of disease or age. Even so, the Amars could still be killed. In the Roman Empire, Amars were called Immortals. The disciples of Yudhistira called Buxiu. Which means eternal too.

Over time, the Pandavas tend to be considered as figures from mythological stories only. Never considered to be real. As many people say: history will turn into legend and legend will turn into myth. Suppose Xing Lian knew this story of Indian mythology, maybe Xing Lian just thought Yudhistira was just a person whose name was inspired from a mythological figure. Not the mythological figure itself.

In addition to the factor of loyalty to the teacher, it was also the factor that made the disciples of Yudhishthira did not want to tell the background of Yudhishthira. No society would ever believe the fact that there are humans who have lived for thousands of years with unageing physiques. Meanwhile, the outward appearance of Yudhistira is very much the same as a person in his thirties. The only thing that is different is ethnicity. Like Indians who wear typical Han Dynasty clothing. Nothing flashy.

After walking in the forest for a few minutes, the warriors finally arrived at the waters where the giant snake lived. Most likely, this snake was still here.

Lake Xi is beautiful. A very beautiful view to see, with stunning views and crystal clear water. Surrounded by trees and bamboo is very soothing. Lake Xi is surrounded by dense forests, towering mountains, or hills. The beautiful lakeside is often surrounded by lush greenery, including trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Create a colorful backdrop in calm waters. The collection of bamboo tree formations provides a beautiful backdrop to the sparkling lake water. The surface of the lake now looks calm. Perhaps the giant water snake that lived there was sleeping. From a distance, Yuanrang looked at the surface of the water reflecting the surrounding scenery like a mirror. Also visible are ripples and waves blown by the wind, creating a stunning effect. The color of the lake is now gray. In fact, the color of the lake can vary depending on the time or season, with shades of blue, green, and gray blending together. The air was clean and fresh, as well as the scent of pine trees and wildflowers filled the air.

Actually, Lake Xi is a suitable residence for animals. Residents often see various types of wildlife, such as fish, birds, and mammals, which are seen swimming or flying across the water. However, it now looked desolate. There are only a few that are visible.

When Lake Xi has not been controlled by giant snakes, residents often move here. Some people are looking for fish here. While some people are in this lake to relax. Like camping, boating, or to calm down. But now it can no longer. All the beauty and pleasure are gone. Captured by a giant snake.

Yudhishthira's strategy before coming here was to starve a giant snake for days. He had already proposed to the local authorities to prohibit the inhabitants from approaching the waters. The water problem has also been resolved by buying enough water from neighboring provinces. In addition, Yudhistira juha has proposed to stem all river flows. Prevent these animals from moving to other areas using river streams. But Yudhishthira realized that two ways were not enough. As usual, to lure wild animals, they also brought animal meat. Suitable for fishing wild animals that have been starving for days. But, the animal flesh was still in the mouth of the forest. Secured by the army. After all the traps were ready, Xing Lian would return to pick up the bait.

“If I don't try harder, that possibility is definitely there. Considering snakes are amphibious animals,” said Yudhistira, “However, I and the ruler have established communication with other rulers who are quite close to the place of this snake. Other rulers are spreading informants around here. If anyone saw the snake's presence, the informants would report to the ruler. Then, the ruler will report to other rulers related to the movement of snakes. In essence, we have built an information network. To date, there have been no reports of snake sightings. It can be concluded, this snake still has not moved.”

“Alright, we better set a trap soon,” said Yuanrang.

“Wait, I have something to ask you,” said Yudhistira, “You already know that the animal we are going to deal with has poison. How do you plan to reduce the risk of toxins?”

“Taking the experience of a giant centipede, we must first know how snakes produce toxins. We know that giant centipedes produce a strange fluid from an organ close to the neck. But we don't know how snakes produce and attack with venom. After knowing, our strategy is to damage the poison production process and its path,” Yuanrang said.

“Alright, I will explain first how the snake produces poison,” said Yudhistira.

“Teacher knows a lot about snake venom?” ask Miaocai.

“As you know, I am from India. Snakes are common. So that knowledge of snakes is quite commonplace,” said Yudhistira.

Yudhishthira also explained how snakes produce poison.

The production of venom in snakes involves a complex process that varies depending on the species of snake. Toxins are usually produced in special glands located behind the eyes of snakes called poison glands. Poison glands consist of a group of body constituents that produce and secrete toxins into the channels that lead to snake fangs. The fangs are hollow and can be folded back to the roof of the mouth when not in use. When a snake bites its prey or prey, muscles in the head press against the venom glands, forcing the venom through the ducts and into the fangs. The poison is then injected into the victim through hollow fangs. Snake venom composition can vary greatly between species and even between individuals within a single species.

Later, research in the modern world divided snake venom into two types. In China when it was the Han Dynasty, obviously there was still no research on the type of poison. Some species produce toxins that are primarily neurotoxic, while others produce toxins that are hemotoxic. Tapia is also a species that produces a toxin that contains a mixture of neurotoxins and hemotoxins. Neurotoxin can affect the nerves. Yudhishthira called this the first type of poison. Examples of the impact are difficult to coordinate body parts and difficult to speak clearly. Hemotoxins affect the blood or blood vessels: some destroy the lining of smaller blood vessels and allow blood to seep into the tissues, producing local or widespread bleeding, or even to, while others make less blood can be coagulated or cause abnormally rapid clotting, leading to circulatory collapse. Yudhistira called hemotoxin a second type of poison.

“After you know how the snake produces poison, what do you attack?” ask Yudhistira.

“Taring!!” three warriors answered compactly.

“Plus. Because we are facing a special snake,” added Yuanrang.

“Good. So we'll share it later.  Yuanrang will destroy the poison in the tail. Me, Mengde and Miaocai will be the bait and overcome two poisonous fangs,”, said Yudhistira who then looked at Mengde and Miaocai, “Indeed if you kiata could destroy two fangs would be better. But it doesn't need to go that far. At least we make the snake unaware of Yuanrang's existence. While the snake is off guard, let Yuanrang slash its tail. After that, the four of us will equally overcome his teeth.”

“Ah, easy to understand,” says Miaocai.

“But even if we manage to damage all the poison pathways, still do not let your guard down and do not feel victorious. This snake is quite large. Even though all the poison pathways are broken, the snake can still kill us with its body. Even one flickering body, capable of throwing you into the lake. That's why we also need to bring snakes into the forest. Keep away from the lake,” says Yudhistira, “Remember. Don't celebrate before we separate the head from the body.”

“Ready, teacher!!” answer the disciples of Yudhishthira

The warriors began to set traps. Assisted by Xing Lian. Yudhistira prioritizes Miaocai's ice trap. While Yuanrang made stripes to mark where traps would be installed. Yuanrang's eyes could not help but look at the beauty of the lake. There was an eagle swooping down to the surface of the lake. His pair of claws touched the surface of the water and Yuanrang could see a fluttering fish in his pair of claws. Just three meters above the surface of Lake Xi, the poor eagle was instantly devoured by a giant snake. The giant snake went straight into the lake again. Yuanrang gulped. He could see the size of the head and the diameter of the body. His scales were greenish like emeralds. Before all parts of the body sink into the water. Yuanrang looked back and saw his friends also looking at the lake.

“You guys saw what I saw?” asked Yuanrang who was immediately responded to a nod by everyone.

“I saw a lot of groceries for the population,” laughter Yudhistira.

“Teacher wants to feed the population with the meat of such poisonous creatures?” miaocai.

“That jerk's switch has to be compensated. He has eaten the rations of fish belonging to the population and damaged the environment. To poison, do not worry, later we try to neutralize all kinds of poison. Of course we clean up too, Miaocai,” said Yudhistira.

“It's a matter of eating or being eaten,” said Mengde who felt challenged.

“Why do the four of you even look to enjoy like this?” xing Lian said, “Didn't you guys see the horn?”

“What's wrong with the horns?” Yuanrang.

“Be ... be ... large,” Xing Lian said.

“Good then, right? Suitable for decoration in my place,” said Yuanrang.