Her hand tore into the scales, and then she ripped it away. She held the scales of the python for him to see with a grin on her face.
What she did was a confirmation that humans didn't need weapons to fight beasts at the second mortal coil. Their ability to wield life force into a weapon capable of overwhelming the life force of other beings is enough to put them on par with beasts.
She hadn't actually crushed the scale with flesh. What she had done was cause the matter that made up the scale to break down.
It is more accurate to say that she had attacked the scales from within because it is the bonds that hold it together that were attacked. So it is an impressive thing.
She didn't need a weapon, but she used one anyway because using life force like this is expensive. It burns a lot of stamina, which will weaken her.
Also, it is easier to pierce a spear into the python's skull through its eye than to pierce her hand into its skull. Trying to use her hand means she will be very close to the jaws of the python. That is not a favorable position at all.
The spear will give her reach, and she won't mind if it is bitten. So even though weapons that can withstand force are expensive, cultivators at the second mortal coil still use them for their convenience.
They are willing to bear the cost of the expensive weapon when they out of battle in exchange for safety and convenience in moments when they will be in battle and their reserve of stamina will determine whether they live or die.
The sight of her tearing away the scale also made him reevaluate his chances of beating her. It is because he realized that fights with second mortal coil cultivators are more than physical power.
He might not be inferior to the python in terms of strength, but he is definitely inferior to it in terms of defense. Yet, she was able to dig into it like that.
If she can do that to its scales that his giant sword couldn't scratch, she would be able to dig out his heart easily. His flesh and rib cage won't be able to protect him.
She made him understand that there was a difference between a healthy second coil cultivator and one who was so injured that he couldn't mobilize his life force properly.
His eyes were shining as he said, "You said you wanted to use this for a dress? Isn't this extravagant?"
He tapped the scales with his hand to emphasize his point and said, "This is more appropriate to make armor, not some dress."
She shook her head and said, "There is nothing that says a dress can't be an armor. It is both beautiful and protective. I'll earn a lot of money from this."
He said, "I don't suppose you're going to give me a share of that money in consideration for the part I played in the acquisition of the Python."
She shook her head. "Not a dime."
He was disappointed because he had expected her reply. So he bent down to help her drag the python.
He did so and asked, "Why did that other guy fail? If the tiger was too strong, he would have died and not been able to escape."
She nodded as he heaved. "He encountered two tigers, so he should have died."n
He listened attentively as she told him what she had seen. She said that only one tiger had been attracted. It came to the vicinity of the forest, where the swordsman was able to fight it.
The tiger ran away after realizing that he was dangerous. He chased after it and fought it along the way. But then another tiger joined the fight.
He had to run away, or he would lose his life. If he hadn't been strong enough, he would have actually lost his life and never managed to escape.
She said, "The two tigers are probably mates or brothers. They didn't fight each other after repelling the man. This kind of relationship should be why they were able to work together instead of attacking each other."
Then she pointed at the python and said, "Look at what I am capable of alone. Imagine what I would be capable of if I had the help of Augustus."
Arthur wanted to say that the reason why his father didn't want to have anything to do with her was because she had more in common with the python than with the tiger. But he didn't dare say that because she is particularly sensitive about the subject of his father's affection.
He wouldn't have believed it if someone else had told him, but he has to accept the fact that Lady Vena might be in love with his father. It is not because she said so; it is from the way she behaves about anything relating to his father.
In fact, she would link some things that aren't related to Augustus to him. Such as the near-death experience that a swordsman just had with two tigers being a prime example of why Augustus should get back together with her.
So he didn't make fun of her. Instead he encouraged her, "I'm sure that he will get with you soon. There just isn't a better option. You're the best thing that can happen to him."
She smiled and pinched his nose. "What a cute boy. How about this? I'll get you a better weapon."
His eyes lit up, and he said, "Is it something that can withstand force?"
She snorted and said, "No."
Her reply made him become dejected. His eyes became downcast. But then he thought of something else and asked.
"What about giving me some scales?"
She laughed. "Dream on."
He helped her pile the python onto a wagon. The wagon was the size of trucks in his previous life.