"Sage Mode?" Hearing these four words, Orochimaru was stunned. He then slowly began, "In Ryūchi Cave, the sacred land where my summoned snakes reside, there is a method to learn Sage Art. However, acquiring this powerful ability is not easy; it requires meeting extremely high conditions and comes with immense risks. The slightest mistake could lead to madness or even death."
Speaking of this, Orochimaru paused slightly, seemingly recalling the cases of those who had attempted to learn Sage Art but failed.
But immediately after, he changed the subject, his previously calm tone suddenly becoming excited: "However! Through my long period of research and exploration, I finally discovered another path that can replace Sage Mode!"
Orochimaru couldn't help but burst into laughter, the sound echoing throughout the room.
Feng Ye quietly watched him from the side, harboring faint suspicions in his heart, but he did not interrupt.
After the laughter subsided, Orochimaru calmed his emotions and continued, "I accidentally discovered a person named Jugo. His constitution is extremely unique; they have a close connection with the energy of the natural world. Through in-depth study of their body structure and energy flow methods, I believe that if you give me just a little more time, I will definitely be able to successfully create a powerful force that is in no way inferior to Sage Mode!"
After saying these words, a fanatical light flickered in Orochimaru's eyes.
"So, you haven't created it yet?"
"Uh, I have already preliminarily researched a power called the Curse Mark, but it is not yet complete."
"Forget it. Can I sign a contract with the snakes?" After pondering for a moment, Feng Ye ultimately decided that learning the orthodox Sage Art would be better.
"Of course you can." Seeing this, Orochimaru nodded in agreement without delay, and immediately bit his finger without hesitation, performing the Summoning Technique to summon a massive python.
As soon as the python appeared, it obediently opened its mouth and slowly spat out a scroll.
Feng Ye took the scroll, unrolled it, picked up a brush, and wrote his name on it.
Immediately after, he imitated Orochimaru by biting his finger and gently pressing his crimson blood onto the scroll.
"Good! Let's go test out this Summoning Technique together."
After Feng Ye finished speaking, he took the lead and walked towards the outdoors. Seeing this, Orochimaru quickly followed, and the two soon entered the forest.
When they reached an open area, Feng Ye finally stopped and began forming hand signs, preparing to use the Summoning Technique.
A crisp snap was heard, immediately followed by a loud "bang."
In an instant, a thick, impenetrable white smoke suddenly billowed up. Once the smoke gradually dispersed, a colossal snake, covered in mysterious purple stripes, suddenly appeared before the two of them.
This snake was not only enormous, but its mouth was also filled with rows of incredibly sharp fangs, inspiring dread in anyone who looked upon it.
Its head appeared wider relative to its body, presenting a flattened shape that looked extremely imposing.
"It's Manda!" Orochimaru's gaze narrowed slightly, and he couldn't help but groan inwardly. He knew that Manda was the most arrogant among all the snake summonings.
Feng Ye was currently standing steadily on top of Manda's head, examining the massive creature with great interest.
This guy's strength cannot be underestimated; in the original work, it fought against Gamabunta and Katsuyu without backing down, and should be able to win in a one-on-one fight.
"Hey! Orochimaru! What are you doing! Didn't I tell you that if you summon me, you must prepare at least a hundred sacrifices for me?" Manda hissed at Orochimaru.
"Who is so bold as to stand atop my head!" Accompanied by a roar, the previously quietly coiled giant snake suddenly began to shake violently.
Its massive body twisted constantly, and its head swung wildly from side to side, seemingly trying to violently shake off the unwelcome guest standing on its head.
However, Feng Ye, standing on its head, appeared unusually calm, as if the violent shaking beneath his feet had no effect on him. He slightly narrowed his eyes, coldly observing the restless giant snake below him.
After a moment, Feng Ye lightly leaped and landed steadily on the ground.
After landing, he showed no intention of retreating. Instead, he walked straight toward the giant snake and locked eyes with its pair of massive vertical pupils.
Just then, something unexpected happened. Manda, which had been aggressive and arrogant moments before, instantly became incredibly stiff, as if a paralyzing spell had been cast upon its entire body the moment its gaze met Feng Ye's.
Not only that, but three comma-shaped patterns gradually emerged in its eyes, which had originally been filled with rage and killing intent.
Seeing this sight, Orochimaru, standing nearby, couldn't help but show surprise. He was about to speak but was interrupted by Feng Ye raising a hand.
"Now, immediately tell me exactly where Ryūchi Cave is located, and what qualifications are required to learn Sage Art," Feng Ye said, staring seriously at Manda.
It must be noted that Manda's status among the Snake Clan is quite revered; it is the undisputed leader of the Snake Clan. In Ryūchi Cave, almost all snakes obey its commands, except for the legendary White Snake Sage.
As for the location of Ryūchi Cave's entrance, it has always been an extremely mysterious place.
Even those who were fortunate enough to enter it previously might not be able to accurately state its precise location.
Back then, Orochimaru only managed to successfully find the entrance to this mysterious cave after a long period of in-depth research on the Jugo Clan, using the unique power contained within them as a crucial clue.
As for the later Yakushi Kabuto, he discovered this place during an accidental exploration.
Even after finding it, entering to learn the mysterious and powerful Sage Art is by no means simple. The path is fraught with difficulties and dangers, requiring one to pass through layers of extremely rigorous trials before being able to study.
After hearing Manda's detailed account, Feng Ye couldn't help but feel curious. He gazed at Orochimaru, his eyes full of doubt and inquiry, and softly asked, "Why were you unable to successfully learn Sage Art back then?"
Orochimaru's expression was calm as water, as if he were recounting the most ordinary event. He slowly replied, "It was because my physical body strength was insufficient to withstand the drastic morphological changes triggered by the Sage Art Chakra. Furthermore, I had just changed bodies at the time and had not yet fully adapted to the various characteristics of the new body."
After saying this, Orochimaru paused briefly, then proactively requested of Feng Ye, "Lord Feng Ye, I would like to go to Ryūchi Cave with you to retrieve some more materials."
Feng Ye nodded and replied, "Alright, if that's the case, then let Manda take us there!"
"On our sacred land, there is a Jutsu Formula that allows the summoner to Reverse Summon themselves there," Manda said in a deep voice at this moment.
"Oh? You have a Jutsu Formula too?" Feng Ye found it strange. The Toads can Reverse Summon, but they can perform hand signs. How would a snake Reverse Summon?
"Yes, we do. As long as you have signed a contract with us, it's possible." Manda nodded. At Feng Ye's signal, it immediately returned to Ryūchi Cave to begin preparations for the Reverse Summoning.
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