A self-devouring serpent.
Theory said it was possible for sufficiently advanced spiritual beasts to consume portions of themselves and convert that consumption into explosive power increase. Not sustainable, but devastating in the moment.
Like burning your own furniture to heat your house. Effective short-term but catastrophic long-term.
But Liora didn't need it long-term… She just needed to win now.
The severed tail section, still spiritually connected to the main body despite physical separation, began moving. Writhing toward the serpent's head with unnatural purpose.
The Bashe's permanent smile widened impossibly as its jaw opened.
And it bit down on its own tail, teeth sinking into spiritual flesh, consuming itself.
The crowd went silent.
Ren's smile vanished, replaced by intense focus.
A serpent devouring itself in an act defying normal biological logic but resonating with profound symbolism permeating spiritual cultivation.
