Sun Yuying figured there must be advantages to choosing the more advanced evolution rather than evolving immediately.

  Viewing the system like a game from her memories on Earth, she believed that completing additional objectives instead of the immediate gain in power is usually more beneficial in the long run.

  Utilising the system interface to view the basic evolution, she found a screen with a basic description.

  Would you like to evolve the basic evolutionary path of a Common krait or attempt an advanced evolution?

  There was an option for her to accept or decline, then a screen where she could view the descriptions of both options. Sun Yuying first regarded the outcome of a basic evolution.

  A basic evolution will instantly improve your race, allowing you to stagnate no longer. It is the usual path of fierce beasts without a Spirit Core, and it will start you on your journey as a Spiritual Beast. The basic evolution will force the immediate condensation of a Spirit Core, expanding the potential of the Common krait, remaining as the same species, though mutating your bloodline, making you a bigger, stronger version of your current species that can now support cultivation.

  Cultivation? Is that to do with my current status of being a mortal?

  The Black Snake knew this world was different from the human memories she possessed; her constant hunger and bestial instincts to grow kept her from thinking deeply about these matters, but the system's mention of cultivation clearly revealed the nature of this world more deeply than before.

  Though she felt, from looking at the basic evolution, that it was a trap that could limit her growth.

  The mention of Spirit Beasts and bloodlines, I figure that, despite being a remarkable predator in this Forest, I have started at a disadvantage to these so-called Spirit Beasts. If I complete the Basic Evolution, will that advantage remain? Perhaps the advanced evolution will help bridge this gap?

  Sun Yuying decided to view the Advanced Evolution.

  An advanced evolution is to turn down the opportunity of an immediate evolution; instead, you can complete additional requirements to give you additional evolution options and the chance to advance your species to a stronger Spiritual Beast bloodline.

  Complete all three or one of the three options: Acquire surplus Spiritual Energy 7/250, Acquire 1/3 additional traits and Acquire a Compatible Spirit Core.

  Having one or more of the advanced evolution requirements met will trigger the option of an advanced evolution; completing all three will signify a perfection evolution.

  Excess Spiritual Energy? Additional Traits? A Compatible Spirit Core?

  The difficulty seemed to increase the further down, the Black Snake figured the first two were easily doable, she had another bounty of Spiritual Energy nearby in the form of Wicked Tossian Fruits and was close to acquiring her second trait from the Death Chameleon, she figured it was very realistic to complete the first two, however, the final additional requirement was the one that felt far more dangerous.

  A Spiritual Core signifies a Spirit Beast?

  And though she did not quite grasp how strong one would be, she figured they were likely the apex creatures of this Great Forest, such as the giant Tiger, Hawk and crocodile-like creature that felt daunting and downright suicidal to challenge.

  The crocodile-like creature was roughly the size of the largest prehistoric crocodiles and appeared even larger than the largest crocodilian species on Earth, according to her memories.

  The Black Snake was confident in her potent venom, yet felt she would be unable to even penetrate deeply past the thick armour of the crocodile beast to do anything.

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  And compatible?

  If it were similar to her traits, she would need to find a strong reptilian-like creature, such as a crocodile, rather than a tiger-like beast.

  Though perhaps?

  Sun Yuying felt she might not be able to defeat one directly, but what about pitting them up against each other and stealing the spoils? The Death Chameleon camouflage was almost flawless, and she was already remarkably suitable for stealth; if she could steal that trait, perhaps it might be more achievable than she thought.

  Either way, she decided to decline the basic evolution option for now. She felt it would be a waste of the plentiful units of Spiritual Energy available to her.

  Moreover, she already felt rather tired and in need of slumber. She knew from the pangs of her body that she would likely undergo her final growth spurt before evolving the next time she rested, after all, she had maxed out the potential growth of her current species, and the surplus energy would likely go towards the formation of the Spirit Core.

  She was already way larger than a typical Common krait, and in all aspects stronger too. The system was correct in its assessment that she pushed the species to the limit; she could either break that limit or adopt a new species entirely.

  Sun Yuying felt attached to her body. Even with the short duration from her birth, her snake-like instincts felt comfortable, yet she had a strong feeling that she would become far stronger if she could undergo the perfect evolution.

  The Black Snake had already begun slithering toward the thick vines that were filled with fruit.

  Despite the Elder Death Chameleon consuming some, there was even more bountiful harvest of Wicked Tossian Fruits than the previous.

  You have consumed Wicked Tossian Fruit, gaining +4 Spiritual Energy…

  Sun Yuging quickly gobbled down six of the fruits that hung from the vines. Her slender, serpentine head stretched as she went from fruit to fruit. She promptly received another notification.

  Your trait,Venomous, has slightly enhanced in strength from the Wicked Tossian Fruits.

  At that point, she felt her blood boil, as if a reaction were about to occur, though that feeling quickly faded, as if she were running out of energy.

  Looks like I am close to an effect occurring from the Wicked Tossian Fruits, yet I am running slightly short.

  Perhaps the next lot of fruit, or the one after that, there will finally be a change.

  Though before that, she felt the need for sleep.

  The canopy in the trees was dense, with foliage so thick that she had plenty of cover to use for a rest.

  Sun Yuying slithered away for a while from the spot where she killed the Elder Death Chameleon. She knew those large Chameleons likely travel along that route in search of these fruits, so she figured moving clear would be the best option to remain undetected.

  Eventually, she found a perfect spot, with numerous thin branches offering cover. She quickly wrapped herself around the place and covered herself in the branches and foliage, nestling her head against the tree as her eyes rapidly closed.

  The Black Snake woke abruptly, finding her body rapidly shredding as it swiftly prepared her for danger.

  What is happening?

  Sun Yuying felt groggy, though strong despite the feeling of interruption. At that point, she was woken by the sense of a weight abruptly dropping on her.

  Ugh, what is that?

  Suddenly, she felt the feeling of a sharp, intense prick as something bit into her hard.

  Instantly, the pain felt worse after the bite; she knew instantly it was venom.

  Turning her head, she saw a menacing giant Spider that must have been the size of a large dog as it clamped down on her with its fangs.

  It was dark green and resembled the foliage around her.

  How did this thing sneak up on me?

  Regardless, she instantly turned her head and bit down hard on its insectoid head, crushing it, and the Spider went still.

  The Black Snake still felt the effects of its venom and hurriedly ate it whole.

  You have consumed Lesser Giant Forest Spider, gaining +6 Spiritual Energy.

  Lesser? Is that meant to be a weak version of these things?

  The Black Snake felt an ill omen from its death, as if she had just attracted an enemy of some sort.

  She had a feeling that whatever this Spider originated from must be colossal.

  Sun Yuying, despite the sudden bite from the Spider, felt rejuvenated from the dose of Spiritual Energy she received from its death.

  Flicking out her tongue, she caught the scent of more of those valuable fruits, which likely had Death Chameleon nearby.

  I need to gain more traits and Spiritual Energy before I consider acquiring a core.

  With a clear objective in mind, the Black Snake slithered away despite being ambushed. She knew she had to keep moving.

  Her instincts never allowed her to stop and ponder on dangerous situations; she only felt the need to evolve and grow, which is what she will do.