Wu Long led the group to the depths of the Spiritual Lands of the former Clear River Pavilion which was a lush forest, with slightly more tropical plants. When they first set off Wu Long separated from the group for a little as he went to dispose of a few rats that were in the vicinity of the sect, presumably to monitor his movements. He noticed them when he went to scout the area and decided to get rid of them before the hunt, as they could potentially try to interfere at the worst moment.
The whole battle with the serpent was initially 1v1 before the rewrite and quite lengthy, but after the rewrite, those chapters did not fit the new context, and I also reconsidered making it a protracted battle and instead went for a clean and efficient hunt. XD
Thank you very much for reading, your comments, and the great support and love you give this novel!!! XD