32. Moo-Moo Evolves! Azure Bull Python!

"Hiss! What on earth is this terrifying thing?"

The timid Usopp shivered as he rode atop Sanji's head. Chu Bawang responded with a light chuckle:

"It is the Evolution Core of the Azure Bull Python, the invincible hegemon of the Star Dou Great Forest!"

The Evolution Core of the Azure Bull Python. It was yet another extraordinary treasure Chu Bawang had obtained from a lucky draw. In the Star Dou Great Forest of a certain continent, the Azure Bull Python was one of the masters of the core circle. It was a super soul beast from the same era as the Titan Giant Ape, later forced to sacrifice itself to Tang San after being severely wounded by Bibi Dong, the Pope of the Spirit Hall.

The moment the sea cow Moo-Moo laid eyes on the golden core, its eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Moo-Moo might not have been highly intelligent, but its bestial instincts were incredibly acute. Its intuition told it that this small golden orb contained an unparalleled power of evolution. If it could consume this core, even the most powerful Sea King of the world would not be able to stand against it for a single round! This entire ocean world would bow to it as its master!

"Moo... Moo-moo..."

Moo-Moo was tempted. Had it not been intimidated by the sheer presence of Chu Bawang, it would have undoubtedly snatched the Azure Bull Python's Evolution Core without hesitation.

Chu Bawang smiled faintly, the sunlight washing over him as if he were draped in a profound radiance.

"Do you want it?"

The three words echoed in everyone's ears like a spell. Luffy’s little head bobbed up and down like a chick pecking at rice: "Mmh-mmh-mmh."

Kaya: "..."
Nami: "..."
Sanji: "..."
Usopp: "..."

Fine, fine, that was just like Luffy—always wanting a bite of anything that looked edible.

Usopp’s heart was filled with doubt and speculation. The Evolution Core of an Azure Bull Python was, without a doubt, a priceless and rare treasure. "Based on the life experiences I share with Bawawang, he has certainly never left Syrup Village before. But where did he learn such swordsmanship and kicking techniques? And now, to pull out something as bizarre as an evolution core... This guy seems to be getting more and more mysterious!"

Chu Bawang tossed the Evolution Core high into the air, as if bestowing a gift upon the sea cow, a gesture that left everyone stunned. "To feed something so important to a sea beast so casually?"

***

Luffy watched the Evolution Core being swallowed into Moo-Moo’s belly and silently wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth. Had it not been for the fierce, watchful gazes of Chu Bawang and Nami, he would have certainly snatched it from the beast’s mouth to see what the Azure Bull Python’s Evolution Core tasted like.

"Moo... Moo-Moo!!!"

The sea cow let out a sharp, piercing roar, and suddenly, thunderstorms erupted across the surrounding seas. It was as if the world were ending!

"Evolve, Moo-Moo."

Under the setting sun, the light illuminated Chu Bawang’s profile, revealing a confident smile on his lips. His eyes were piercingly bright, making him appear like a celestial being descended to the mortal realm—a sight that left Nami momentarily mesmerized.

Moo-Moo!
Moo-Moo!
ROAR!!!

The beast's roar was so loud that Usopp fell to the ground in terror. Even the carefree Luffy could not help but gape in awe at the scene before him, which looked like a divine miracle!

What were they seeing? It was a terrifying monster with the head of a bull and the body of a python, stretching a hundred meters long!

The next moment, the sea cow spoke in human language. The entire Going Merry shook, and for fifty miles across the sea, a magnificent, distant, and imposing sound echoed, as if it had traveled through the endless history of the primordial wilderness.

"Master—!"
"Sea cow Moo-Moo pays her respects to you, Master!"

The faces of the Straw Hat crew turned pale. Kaya was shocked to the point of turning white as a sheet, her expression one of utter disbelief.

Endless thunder circled around Moo-Moo’s new body. A majestic figure began to emerge and clarify within the hazy, dazzling light. It was... the Azure Bull Python, Moo-Moo!!!

Even though she had not yet made a move, everyone could clearly feel an unprecedented pressure tearing at their nerves. A terrifyingly powerful force flowed and roamed within her, surging and roaring through every muscle and blood vessel. A fierce sea breeze howled, and the scent of ancient history rushed toward them.

"Sea cow Moo-Moo... I don't really like that name. How about we call you Xiao Qing from now on? Besides, as a hundred-thousand-year soul beast, you should have the ability to transform into human form, right? From now on, you shall be my personal bodyguard. What do you think?"

***

Everyone was in a state of panic, yet Chu Bawang gazed at the hundred-meter-long monster with complete composure.

"As you wish, Master—!!"

Having evolved into an Azure Bull Python, Moo-Moo had not only made vast improvements in strength but had also awakened a higher level of intelligence. She knew clearly who had granted her this new life! She was even more aware of what would happen if she were to become complacent with this power and try to rebel against Chu Bawang...

A flash of white light swept across, then gradually faded. The sight before them slowly came into view. The scene fell into a deathly silence, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Chu Bawang could even hear Sanji’s heart pounding frantically, his breathing nearly suffocated.

"What a beautiful girl."

Sanji blurted it out instinctively. Without a doubt, the transformed sea cow had become a graceful woman in green robes with striking features. She went by the name Xiao Qing!

"I didn't expect it to be a female cow..." Chu Bawang was slightly surprised.

The sea cow before him—no, the Azure Bull Python, Xiao Qing—was not only delicate and beautiful but also possessed a cute, rosy charm that made one want to cherish her. Her eyebrows carried the faint aura of a woman from the water towns, her eyes sparkling with wit and spirit, showing a blend of elegance and mischievous charm. Her snow-white skin, reminiscent of a fairy's, glowed with a faint, jade-like blush, as fresh as morning dew or a budding flower—a beauty beyond words.

Kaya and Nami stiffened and exchanged a glance. A man's sixth sense told Chu Bawang that both Kaya and Nami seemed to hold a slight hostility toward Xiao Qing. It couldn't be helped; Xiao Qing, in her human form, was simply too dreamlike, appearing almost otherworldly.

"Ahem... Xiao Qing, from now on, you will be responsible for the daily care and meals for me and Kaya. Do you have any questions?" Chu Bawang coughed lightly to hide his minor embarrassment. Before the transformation, he truly had not expected Moo-Moo to be a female sea cow!

Xiao Qing smiled gracefully, a smile that could topple cities.

"As you command, Master."