Chapter Twenty-Five: Battle with the Black Iron Giant Ape

Li Yang had been waiting at the foot of Ziyang Mountain for several days.

After breaking through under Luo Tian’s guidance, he spent a few more days familiarizing himself with his newfound power, then decided to visit the mission hall to find suitable tasks that could earn him contribution points. He had no choice; his resources were depleted by the breakthrough, leaving him penniless.

However, Li Yang noticed that Yang Qing and Zhao Zeming from the Bo Feng Squad seemed listless and distracted.

Within Ziyang Mountain, cultivators are categorized into three levels—early, mid, and late stages of the Qi Condensation realm. Accordingly, three ranks exist among the disciples, and the Bo Feng Squad was quite renowned among early Qi Condensation cultivators, boasting a mid-stage leader. This ensured both safety and a high success rate for their missions.

Yang Qing was nothing remarkable—a newcomer at the first cycle of Qi Condensation, hardly capable enough to be known. But Zhao Zeming was an established outer disciple, soon to reach the third cycle of Qi Condensation if nothing went amiss. Observing the odd state of these two, and sensing trouble brewing within the Bo Feng Squad, it was inevitable that rumors would spread, and soon their misfortune became the talk of the mountain.

Li Yang learned of the ten-day pact and lost interest in undertaking missions; no matter what, he hoped to see Luo Tian again to set his mind at ease. If Luo Tian truly didn’t appear, Li Yang would have to venture into the Shenyang Forest to look for him.

Though spending some contribution points for Luo Tian’s guidance had enabled his breakthrough, sometimes the value of things isn’t so easily calculated. The same contribution points spent elsewhere would not have yielded such results. Besides, compared to mere points, the time saved by breaking through early was the most precious wealth of all. Cultivation demands haste, for progress is swiftest in youth; once age catches up, catching up becomes impossible. In light of this, what are a few contribution points?

Over the past days on Ziyang Mountain, Li Yang noticed something odd: the mountain’s spiritual energy seemed greatly diminished, nearly halved compared to its former richness. Strangely, the menial labor area was said to have become more abundant in spiritual energy, though the reason remained unknown.

“Brother Zhao, the appointed time is almost here,”

Yang Qing remembered how their leader, Li Bo Feng, returned two days ago battered and bruised, and worry gnawed at him. Both Zhao Ze Gang and Luo Tian were still missing, while Zhao Zeming’s expression was dark enough to drip water.

“I know,”

Zhao Zeming’s reply squeezed out between clenched teeth. With his elder brother still missing, his mood could not be good.

“If the time comes, should we go look for them?” Yang Qing quietly suggested. “After all—”

“Only my brother matters. Luo Tian was just a temporary member; Bo Feng Squad doesn’t need to waste so much time on him!”

His words were icy and indifferent. Zhao Zeming cared nothing for Luo Tian’s fate.

“After all this time, what chance does a first-cycle Qi Condensation cultivator have of survival? Besides, the East District Tournament is fast approaching, only two months left. If we don’t prepare quickly, all the benefits will be snatched up by the four great families!”

Yang Qing lowered his head in silence, but his gaze flickered.

Even if no one else goes, I must—Brother Luo was invited by me, so I am responsible!

Emerging from the cave, Luo Tian squinted against the midday sun. The brightness was harsh, and after so long in darkness, his eyes struggled to adjust.

The Black Iron Giant Ape had not been idle these past days, tirelessly patrolling and searching the valley. Though a magical beast, it vaguely sensed that the detestable human hadn’t left but was concealing himself by some strange means. Stubborn as it was, the ape refused to give up.

Blocking the narrow valley entrance, the Black Iron Giant Ape suddenly spotted a figure behind the fruit tree.

Was it that damned human?

At that moment, the ape could scarcely believe its blinking, wide eyes—it blinked several times, trying to see more clearly.

He finally revealed himself?

The ape’s inner joy was beyond words. That fruit was vital to magical beasts relying on their physical bodies; in another month or two, it would be fully ripe, and consuming it would allow the ape to rival mid-tier second-rank magical beasts, perhaps even match some high-tier ones in strength. Now, the human had ruined everything!

Yet it didn’t matter. Even if the human ate the fruit, he couldn’t possibly absorb its medicinal power. As long as the ape swallowed him whole, all would still be in time!

The Black Iron Giant Ape stood and howled, pounding its chest with deafening clangs, exuding a terrifying presence.

This is what sets magical beasts apart from mere animals: beasts rely solely on instinct for hunting and growth, but once their bodies are transformed by spiritual energy, they become magical beasts and focus solely on enhancing their strength. Diet matters little; rich spiritual energy is what truly attracts them.

Luo Tian’s body had grown much stronger; within a single breath, his eyes adapted to the surroundings, and he immediately spotted the ape barring his path.

Good—forcing Brother Luo to crawl under your legs last time, today you’ll pay with your life!

The memory made Luo Tian seethe; it was a humiliation he could not endure.

From his storage pouch, he drew out his azure longsword, and, recalling the graceful demeanor of sword masters, he deftly spun several sword flowers, feeling refreshed in body and spirit. The only flaw was his worn clothing, which had suffered from prolonged use, yet nothing else was amiss.

Green spiritual light radiated from Luo Tian’s body, clearly marking him as a mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivator. With his meridians fully open, Luo Tian’s true combat strength surpassed what his realm alone could suggest, filling him with confidence for revenge.

This giant ape was merely a low-tier second-rank magical beast; Luo Tian no longer regarded it as a threat.

Spiritual energy surged, and green light shimmered on his surface.

True to its name!

Luo Tian tightened his grip on the sword hilt.

A thunderous roar erupted from the Black Iron Giant Ape as it hunched forward, arms braced on the ground before charging, its thick forearms like iron pillars, as wide as a person’s waist, swinging with tremendous force.

Luo Tian had yet to learn any true spiritual martial arts, but he remained unfazed. With overwhelming strength, he believed he could win even without advanced techniques.

The ape sensed the human’s enhanced power—his spiritual energy alone was enough to suppress it—causing a moment’s hesitation. But rage soon engulfed its mind.

Eat this human, and there would still be a chance to refine the fruit’s medicine!

Its massive palm swept down from above, and though it hadn’t yet struck, the wind howled menacingly. If hit, death was certain.

Human cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage could only emulate magical beasts with their body refinement techniques; they could never reach the same level.

Luo Tian snorted coldly and leaped more than two meters high.

Beast, I am not who I once was!

With the ape hunched forward, its height was reduced, and Luo Tian aimed to land on its shoulder.

Sensing the human’s intent, the Black Iron Giant Ape suddenly straightened and leaned back, effortlessly dodging Luo Tian’s step.

He can do that?

Luo Tian, who had planned to kill the ape with flair and avenge his humiliation, was immediately dumbfounded. Suspended in midair with nowhere to brace himself, he was now vulnerable to attack—his spine tingled with dread!

The ape’s attack missed, freeing up its other hand, which now swung to slap Luo Tian away.

A perfect opportunity!

Luo Tian, seeing the ape’s movement, quickly composed himself and timed a kick, landing on the ape’s attacking palm.

The plan was flawless, but the ape struck with all its hatred, holding nothing back. Even with Luo Tian’s full spiritual energy enhancing his resilience and agility, the combined forces were too great. He lost control, and was flung sideways to the ground without suspense.

A quick lesson in humility!

In that instant, Luo Tian understood his mistake: overestimating his strength and attempting to toy with his opponent, forgetting that even magical beasts aren’t fools and won’t play along.

Last time, the ape thought he could be easily handled, which led to Luo Tian crawling under its legs and escaping, losing both the fight and the precious red fruit he had waited so long for. Now Luo Tian was making the same error, relying solely on his improved power for a stylish victory—a foolish move!

Pain shot through his body, and Luo Tian abandoned all distracting thoughts. Reflection could wait; this was not the time.

He was grateful for his body refinement techniques, which had greatly improved his control since becoming an outer disciple. He forced his body to roll along the ground, dissipating the force as best he could.

Bang!

He only stopped when he collided with the canyon wall. The dizziness from his rapid spinning was quickly dispelled by sheer will; the ape was already closing in.

Luo Tian gripped his longsword tightly, biting his lip until pain stabbed through his mind.

A moment of clarity!

A faint golden light enveloped the Black Iron Giant Ape, its internal force flows laid bare to Luo Tian’s eyes.

He glanced upward—attack from here?

Spiritual energy surged, and Luo Tian pushed off with his feet, dashing forward.

Since he knew the ape’s attack path in advance, there was no need for further entanglement.

Luo Tian reached the ape’s underside before its palm could strike him, then leapt lightly, aiming the azure longsword directly at the ape’s throat!

The ape excelled in strength, its defense formidable but not invulnerable. Luo Tian’s speed was astonishing, surpassing even the swiftness of a rabbit’s leap.

With a dull sound,

Luo Tian’s mid-grade treasure sword met only brief resistance before piercing through. Muscles bulged on his right arm as he twisted fiercely.

Blood gushed from the ape’s wounded throat!

The moment Luo Tian hit the ground, he dashed aside, escaping the ape’s attack range.