PCJ – Chapter 123 Kill the Python

This water python was truly extraordinary. Its scales were as tough as impenetrable chainmail, withstanding the relentless grenade blasts. Although it was heavily scarred and seriously injured, it was not enough to kill the python. Instead, it unleashed its full ferocity and savagery.

At this point, the python stopped trying to escape. Its fist-sized eyes gleamed with a fierce light as it charged at the attacking PLA soldiers, enduring the grenade explosions.

“Ah…”

The python crushed through like a tank, leaving the soldiers who couldn’t escape to cry out in despair.

“Hold your ground! Do not retreat! We cannot let this beast escape!” The commander, his face showing fear, didn’t anticipate the battle would be so brutal. In just that moment, four or five familiar faces were lost. Fortunately, he had set up two defensive lines from the start, just in case. Initially thinking the second line would be unnecessary, this seemingly redundant precaution proved crucial. However, the second line was weaker in attack compared to the first, as it covered a larger area and included special police from Zijiang City alongside PLA soldiers. Luckily, their equipment was adequate, and there were a few sniper rifles in the distance that could still be effective.

The soldiers from the first line, breached by the python, quickly retreated to the second line, creating distance to allow the second line to attack the python without restraint. Several mortar shells arced down around the python, though only one landed close enough. The python, already wary of the mortars, desperately evaded the danger.

Seeing the mortar barrage fail to inflict significant damage, the PLA commander pounded a nearby pine tree in frustration, shaking its golden needles to the ground like a golden carpet. No one had the leisure to admire this scene.

Suddenly, one of the python’s eyes exploded like a balloon, finally hit by a sniper’s bullet targeting a vulnerable spot. Since the python charged out of the pond, snipers had continuously hit it, but never in a critical area. This time, someone struck its eye.

The python collapsed, writhing in agony from the severe pain.

“Good job!” the commander couldn’t help but shout.

Seizing this opportunity, the mortar team relentlessly fired, taking advantage of this rare chance.

Explosions erupted around the python, with some landing directly on its body, causing significant damage.

Finally, the python suffered fatal injuries, unable to continue its deadly assault. It could only struggle instinctively in place, its body writhing.

The commander breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the casualties, the mission was accomplished. Letting the giant python escape would have been unacceptable. However, he quickly felt a heavy heart. Four soldiers, whom he knew personally, had died. He knew their names, origins, and even their family situations. They were like brothers to him, and he couldn’t fathom how to face their grieving families.

“Captain Zhao, what now? Should we go check?” shouted Company Leader Luo Changhai.

“Not yet. Snipers, blow its head off!” Zhao Yongqiang didn’t want any more casualties. This python was not an ordinary beast; it had intelligence. Despite this being his first mission of this kind, he was familiar with such creatures from stories his comrades shared. Creatures that had lived for countless years had high intelligence. Never approach their bodies without ensuring they’re completely destroyed—this was a lesson learned at the cost of lives.

The python’s skull was incredibly tough, resisting even sniper bullets. Each hit made its head shake slightly, and its death throes grew weaker.

Zhao Yongqiang couldn’t rest until the python’s head was completely destroyed.

“Old Luo, use the mortars! Blast its skull to pieces!” Zhao Yongqiang shouted.

“Got it! Mortar team, hit it precisely! If you miss a stationary target, you’ll be in solitary for a month!” Luo Changhai yelled at the mortar operators.

The mortar team, motivated, carefully aimed and fired. This time, from close range and at a stationary target, their accuracy was much higher. Two shells hit the python’s head directly, using up their remaining ammunition. The blasts tore the python apart, even exposing its brain matter.

Just when everyone thought the python was dead, it suddenly lifted its head and charged at the second defensive line.

“Damn it! Shoot its eyes!” Zhao Yongqiang shouted.

Luckily, it was a false alarm. The python collapsed again after moving only ten meters, raising a cloud of dust. This time, it stayed motionless.

Luo Changhai, still shaken, was glad the commander stopped him from approaching earlier, avoiding unnecessary casualties.

Without waiting for Zhao Yongqiang’s order, Luo Changhai had his men throw all their grenades at the python’s already mangled body, ensuring it was thoroughly destroyed.

“Victory!” someone shouted, and all the soldiers cheered.

The PLA left, taking the python’s corpse with them, and Meizi’ao returned to its peaceful state.