"What should we do now? There are so many snakes---how can we possibly deal with them?" Liu Hai's voice trembled as he looked to Zhang Nu for an answer. He had placed all his hope in Zhang Nu, relying on him to find a way out of this terrifying situation.
Zhang Nu could sense the pressure mounting. Liu Hai had pinned all his expectations on him, but Zhang Nu knew it was a mistake to think he had all the answers. He wasn't sure he could successfully fend off the swarm of snakes, nor did he have a clear plan.
"Don't put all your hopes in me," Zhang Nu said, his voice tense. "I don't know how we're going to deal with these snakes either. Honestly, I hate them as much as you do."
Liu Hai nodded, realizing they were both in the same situation. If they were going to survive, they would have to face this together. These snakes were indeed some of the most revolting creatures they had encountered, and their situation seemed dire.
What the two didn't realize, however, was that their conversation hadn't gone unheard. The snakes, having heightened senses, had picked up on their words, and this seemed to provoke them further. The horde of snakes began to move even faster, seemingly enraged by the outsiders who had dared to invade their territory.
Zhang Nu, sensing the change in the snakes' movements, quickly conjured a protective barrier around himself and Liu Hai. He hoped it would buy them enough time to figure out their next move and prevent the snakes from closing in too quickly.
Liu Hai shook his head. "How could I? I've never learned anything like that. If I did, I wouldn't be panicking right now."
Zhang Nu realized that he would have to handle everything himself. "In that case, leave it to me. Just make sure to reinforce the barrier. Whatever happens, don't let any of these snakes get through while I'm drawing the talisman."
Liu Hai nodded and immediately cast a strengthening spell on the barrier. But to the swarm of snakes, Liu Hai's spell was hardly intimidating. Though the snakes didn't have high cultivation, their sheer numbers made up for it. Before long, Liu Hai was struggling to maintain the barrier.
"Zhang Nu, hurry up! I can't hold them off much longer!" Liu Hai called out, his voice filled with urgency.
Zhang Nu nodded and sped up his drawing. As soon as he finished the talisman, he slapped it onto the barrier. The moment it made contact, the barrier seemed to gain an invisible reinforcement. In an instant, the talisman's power surged, sending the snakes flying away from the shield.
Liu Hai was left dumbfounded by the sight. He had never imagined talismans could be used in such a way.