Chapter 69

When the Selection was about to begin, the surrounding Mo snakes were stunned to discover that the only candidates remaining were Mo Laoda and Mo Damo. For a short while, discussion rose again.

In the current Clan Head’s eyes was displeasure. He coughed heavily a few times and the riotous scene once again calmed.

“Since no other candidates wish to withdraw, the Selection for Clan Head will now begin.” The Clan Head paused then continued, saying, “Surely everyone present is already quite clear about the selection process, however I would still like to go over the process. The Selection for Clan Head will be divided into three stages. Only by passing the first stage can one proceed to the second stage, and only by passing the second stage can one proceed to the third stage.”

The process for selecting the Clan Head was indeed like so and, other than for Yin Xiaoxiao, all the other vipers present certainly knew that, this year, the second stage could be directly skipped for the third stage because there were only two Mo snakes competing. In the first stage, it was necessary for a Mo snake to be eliminated.

“In the first stage, the candidates must launch attacks against each other. In order to win, fangs need to strike the heart ¹ . At that point, the match ² is over.”

The incumbent Clan Head’s manner of speaking was serene as he finished this speech, then he immediately retreated into the circle of surrounding Mo snakes, leaving the space clear for Mo Laoda and Mo Damo.

Mo Laoda and Mo Damo stared fixedly at each other, each mindful of every minute movement the other made. Mo Laoda was confident that he could defeat the Mo snake in front of him, but Mo Laoda absolutely wouldn’t be complacent and go easy on him. Mo Damo didn’t hold any hope for victory, but he also didn’t want to lose too badly.

The crowd of Mo snakes and one Yin snake all held their breaths, closely watching the two snakes in the center. Before a word could be uttered ³ , only the flash of two shadows could be seen and the first match began. The Mo snakes present could clearly see Mo Damo’s silhouette but when they looked for Mo Laoda, to their astonishment ⁴ , nothing could be seen clearly. And Yin Xiaoxiao…couldn’t even see Mo Damo’s silhouette, let alone Mo Laoda.

Having said this, it actually only took a few seconds and the outcome of the match was decided. This time, Yin Xiaoxiao clearly saw Mo Damo was being pushed down into the field by Mo Laoda. Mo Laoda’s sharp teeth bit down over Mo Damo’s heart. Seeing Mo Laoda win, Yin Xiaoxiao’s anxiety eased. Even though Yin Xiaoxiao was quite confident in Mo Laoda, he couldn’t help but worry seeing Mo Laoda fighting another snake.

At first, everyone present was still before they suddenly burst into enthusiastic discussion. In the previous Selections for Clan Head, the fastest it usually took for the outcome of the first match to be decided was a few minutes, but now Mo Laoda had only taken a few seconds to subdue Mo Damo. Just how strong was Mo Laoda now?

If this were an underground fighting ring, or a fencing match, or some other spectator sport, this match between Mo Laoda and Mo Damo would certainly be considered a failure. An awful failure. An utter failure. The audience would want to watch a wondrous exhibition and, to a certain extent, wouldn’t care about the who would win and who would lose. However, this was not a competition but a battle for the power over the viper clans. If you came for a show, then you’re the loser. The Mo snakes were quite happy to accept an outcome like this.

In the midst of the clamor, Mo Laoda released Mo Damo. Naturally, Mo Laoda was very proud of himself! Look at his agile bearing, his formidable strength! The Little Idiot was sure to have fallen for him even more! Mo Laoda, feigning nonchalance, looked towards Yin Xiaoxiao. He  expected Yin Xiaoxiao’s eyes to be brimming with love but, contrary to Mo Laoda’s expectations, not only were Yin Xiaoxiao’s eyes not brimming with love as he looked at Mo Laoda ⁵ , his eyes actually looked to be brimming with anger! What was all this about? Mo Laoda was confused. Could it be that the Little Idiot hadn’t wanted him to win?

Mo Damo’s expression was complicated as he got up off the ground. He raised his upper body to look at Mo Laoda. Had he really lost so thoroughly? But what would be the use of denying it? The victor became king while the defeated became an outlaw ⁶ . He was most sure about this; since childhood his father had taught him this.

“The winner of this competition is Mo Laoda. According to the rules, Mo Damo has lost the qualifications to compete for Clan Head.” The Clan Head once more returned to his former position within the circle ⁷ . His tone was flat. “Since there is only one candidate left after the first stage, the second stage shall be skipped and continue straight to the third stage. In the third stage, the candidate and the incumbent Clan Head, that is to say me, will compete physically and with venom. If Mo Laoda triumphs, he will serve as the new Clan Head. If I triumph, I will continue to serve as Clan Head.”

Standing outside, Yin Xiaoxiao softly asked Mo Dayi next to him, “What was the second stage?”

“Actually, in the first stage of selection, the candidates are divided into two groups. Victories and defeats are recorded, and then the next Mo snake competes until each Mo snake present has competed against another Mo snake. Based on the number of wins for each Mo snake, half of the candidates will move onto the second stage.” Mo Dayi continued to explain, “The second stage is the comparison of venom toxicity. The Mo snake candidates inject their venom into each others’ bodies. Only those with the most toxic venom will be able to enter the third stage.”

Yin Xiaoxiao’s smacked his lips. “What about the poisoned Mo snakes?” Surely they couldn’t compete in the Selection for Clan Head and risk their lives! That wouldn’t be worth it!

Mo Dayi: “The poisoned Mo snakes take antivenom, eating Jiedu Grass ⁸ so that their lives won’t be in danger, although their bodies will ache for several days. The more potent the venom, the longer the pain will last.”

“So, it’s like this.” Yin Xiaoxiao looked at the incumbent Clan Head inside the circle. There was obvious concern in his voice as he said, “Heitan will surely not be in any danger, right? The Jiudu Grass is already prepared, right? It’s not like you’re going to have to go and pick it now, right? There wouldn’t be enough time to do that, right? Balabalabala……”

“Don’t talk, don’t talk. Your talking is making me dizzy,” Mo Dayi interrupted Yin Xiaoxiao. “Laoda will not lose.”

“How do you know?”

“I just know!” Mo Dayi very firmly answered Yin Xiaoxiao. He turned around and furtively sighed. How could the Mo Laoda who had taken seven Mo grasses possibly lose? In the history of the Mo snake clan, the most that a Mo snake had taken was six Mo grasses, and that Mo snake went on to be Clan Head for several decades until becoming tired with being clan head and entering retirement. Mo Laoda’s natural aptitude was already top tier, but then after taking seven Mo grasses, he just knew that it was impossible for Mo Laoda to lose!

Just at this moment, the match between Mo Laoda and the incumbent Clan Head began.

Mo Dayi spoke his explanation into Yin Xiaoxiao’s ear, “In this third stage, the strongest candidates and the incumbent Clan Head compete. Both sides genuinely test the other, and the one who is poisoned loses.”

In the span of time that it took for a few words, the victor had already been decided.

Not dashing Mo Dayi’s expectations and not to the surprise of the Mo snakes present, Mo Laoda, with an absolute advantage, won. Head held high, Mo Laoda slithered over to Yin Xiaoxiao’s side. Those snakes in the audience hurriedly placed grass into the mouth of the poisoned former Clan Head.

Before Mo Laoda could slither to Yin Xiaoxiao, Mo Laoda suddenly came to a stop because Mo Damo barred the way.

Mo Damo woodenly stared at Mo Laoda.

Mo Laoda: “…?”

Mo Damo trembled all over. His head lowered slightly as he looked at the ground. In a low voice he said, “Congratulations.”

Mo Laoda: “…Thank you.” Then Mo Laoda quickly slithered around Mo Damo to face Yin Xiaoxiao.

“Little Idiot, I’m now the Clan Head! From now on, I can cover you ⁹ !”

Yin Xiaoxiao’s gaze left Mo Damo and, with a smile, he said, “That’s good. From now on I can walk sideways ¹⁰ .”

“Walk sideways?” Mo Laoda stared blankly.

Yin Xiaoxiao: “…Nevermind.”

The former Clan Head was carried away and set down. The crowd of Mo snakes had just been about to go over and greet the new Clan Head when Mother Mo suddenly walked into the circle and loudly said, “My eldest son has become Clan Head. His father and I are delighted! We have always been happy that our son is so strong. As for Mo Laoda, we have to say that today is a day to commemorate so I want to announce to everyone the good news: Soon my son, Mo Laoda, will be partners with Mo Daer!”

The gathered Mo snakes weren’t surprised. Although Mo Laoda had only recently become an adult, for the Mo snake clan which had difficulties with reproduction, the number of snakes that had just reached adulthood and already had partners wasn’t small. As for Mo Laoda immediately forming a partnership, many Mo snakes felt very cheerful. After all, with genes from one so powerful, the snakes that would be born were sure to also be powerful. From this viewpoint, the viper clans were quite simple ¹¹ .

The Mo snakes was just about to congratulate Mo Laoda when Mo Laoda’s voice, cold and clear, rang out, “I will not become Mo Daer’s partner.”

Mother Mo’s face stiffened. Mother Mo had made this announcement at the Selection for Clan Head because she’d thought this would make Mo Laoda somewhat apprehensive and superficially comply. As long as Mo Laoda agreed to this here, the matter could be easily handled later. However, Mother Mo didn’t expect that Mo Laoda wouldn’t even give her face.

The Mo snakes present were confused. What was going on?

At this moment, a Mo snake dashed out of the crowd. “Laoda! You said that you were going to become my partner! Why are you backing out?”

Mo Laoda: “…”

Yin Xiaoxiao angrily turned to look at Mo Laoda.

Mo Laoda: “I’m being wrongly accused! I never said that!”

“Laoda! How could you do this?!” The Mo snake that had rushed out, Mo Daer, said sorrowfully, “Is it that you like another snake? Is that why you are abandoning me?!”

Mo Laoda’s lips curled. “When did I say that I wanted to be your partner?”

“A few, a few months ago!” Mo Daer’s sudden appearance hadn’t been orchestrated by Mother and Father Mo; Mo Daer had rushed out on her own initiative. Naturally, she was saying whatever came to mind, no matter how nonsensical.

Mo Laoda sneered. Even Yin Xiaoxiao wasn’t angry. A few months ago, he and Mo Laoda had either been below the cliff or else had been wandering around the mountain. When could Mo Laoda have promised to become partners with another snake? This Mo snake wasn’t even able to come up with a good lie!

“Mo Daer! Don’t shame yourself in front of these snakes! Go home right now!”

To Yin Xiaoxiao’s surprise, these words were spoken by Mo Dayi. Yin Xiaoxiao knew that Mo Daer and Mo Dayi’s relationship wasn’t good, but he didn’t expect it to be this bad.

“Da, Da-ge.” Mo Daer shrunk back a bit. Mo Daer was sincerely afraid of this Da-ge of hers. She didn’t know why her eldest brother was like this, but he hadn’t liked her from childhood. One time, when she’d taken her Da-ge’s prey without his permission, Da-ge had even bitten her! After she took Jiedu Grass, she was in pain for three full days! It wasn’t only Mo Daer. Even Mo Daer’s mother and father who were afraid of Mo Dayi.

With Mo Dayi yelling like this, Mo Daer dared not say anything else. Mo Daer secretly looked to her parents, hoping that her parents would speak on her behalf. But, unfortunately, Mo Daer’s parents hid amongst the crowd, clearly unwilling to speak up for her.

“And don’t return!” Mo Dayi yelled again.

Mo Daer trembled all over again, and she promptly squeezed amongst the crowd of snakes and slithered away.

Mo Dayi was also quite powerful! Yin Xiaoxiao thoughtfully looked at Mo Dayi and nodded a little. Mo Laoda was not happy and hooked his tail around Yin Xiaoxiao’s body. “I am more fearsome than Mo Dayi!”

Yin Xiaoxiao: “…”

Mother Mo’s displeased voice once again rang out, “Laoda, stop causing a scene! If Mo Daer did something to make you unhappy, then we can discuss it in private. But here and today, let’s settle this matter.”

Without even looking at Mother Mo, Mo Laoda dragged Yin Xiaoxiao into the center of the circle and loudly said, “Starting today, I am the new Clan Head, and the Yin snake standing beside me, Yin Xiaoxiao, is my future partner!”

The crowd of Mo snakes looked at each other in dismay. Had they misheard? Had the new Clan Head really selected a Yin snake as his partner? There had never been any precedent for something like this in the history of the Mo snake clan!

“I am Clan Head. Yin Xiaoxiao is the Mrs. Clan Head ¹² . Does any snake object?” Mo Laoda continued to speak, “Anyone with complaints can challenge me. If I am defeated then I, Mo Laoda, as Clan Head, will yield!”

Well, it had to be said that Mo Laoda had arranged a trap. While it would be best if there were no objections, if there were any snakes who objected then they would have to defeat Mo Laoda and take his position as Clan Head. And even if that happened, that wouldn’t stop Mo Laoda and Yin Xiaoxiao from becoming partners – whatever the case, Yin Xiaoxiao and Mo Laoda were determined.

But naturally, it was unlikely for any snakes to object. The Mo snakes present had seen Mo Laoda’s fighting strength. Absolutely no snake was capable of winning against Mo Laoda. Who would be willing to go up and invite embarrassment? Moreover, what did it have to do with them who the Clan Head’s partner was? The head of the clan was Mo Laoda and Mo Laoda’s partner for as long as Mo Laoda was strong enough to maintain it.

In short, the reason for the Mo snakes’ silence was because no one was a match for Mo Laoda.

T/N: Sorry! I posted this last night on my way home from working late and I guess I should have just waited to do that when I got home. Something must have happened when I tried to post the chapter, because it wasn’t there when I checked this evening.

Edited so that the proper nouns are capitalized.

Footnotes

<ol>七寸: literally seven inches; shorthand for ‘to beat a snake, strike at seven inches’. The location referred to is seven inches from the head of the snake, and is supposed to be where the heart is. Of course, this isn’t entirely accurate since snakes aren’t of uniform size (what if the snake is only four inches long?). Outside of killing snakes, this is used to describe vital points; I’m translating this as heart rather than vital point because, well, this is literally referring to snakes. added for clarity 说时迟那时快: a common sentence using to describe an action that happens so fast that the narration can’t keep up sentence restructured for ease of reading added for clarity 成者為王，敗者為寇: idiom meaning that legitimacy belongs to the victor while the defeated is remembered as a villain added for clarity 解毒草: literally, detoxify grass 我罩着你: means I will support you, protect you and give you everything 横着走: can do what one wants without fearing repercussions; has a derogatory meaning 可爱: can mean cute, likeable, innocent/naive or honest 夫人: fū ren; nowadays, it’s used to the polite way to address a married woman or to say Madam; historically, it was used to refer to the wife of a noble or a concubine</ol>