Chapter 23: A Brief Respite

Zhang Yi gritted his teeth hard, sensing the threat drawing ever closer, and he prepared to take the opportunity to leave with Xiao Pu.

Never did he expect that in the next second, the body of the flaming giant bird would suddenly shrink, finally transforming into a ball of fiery red, warm, crimson-red beads that lazily landed on the ground.

"Oh?"

Zhang Yi looked at the fiery red bead with some confusion.

"Daddy, this is a good thing!"

Xiao Pu's eyes lit up, and he excitedly trotted over, picked up the bead in his mouth, and held it high, as if showing off a priceless treasure.

"This is?"

Zhang Yi swept his gaze across Xiao Pu's face with a look of confusion, his heart suddenly jolting.

Although he did not know what the little fellow was holding in his hands, he could feel that this bead was definitely not simple; if he could control it properly, it would surely make him stronger.

"Xiao Pu, do you really know what this is?"

Zhang Yi stared at the bead while thinking uneasily in his heart that if it truly was power comparable to his mother's, he would inevitably be backlashed by that power after absorbing it.

"The energy left behind by Xiao Pu's mother before she fell!"

Xiao Pu looked proud, and he shouted at Zhang Yi full of excitement, "This is my mother's power! It will grant Daddy even more strength!"

"Is that so..."

Zhang Yi muttered to himself, though in reality, he was secretly calculating in his heart that if this bead could be absorbed, he could definitely increase his own strength.

However, the situation was critical at this moment, and he could not take the risk yet.

"Wait until we get out to absorb it!"

He decided.

"Xiao Pu, put this away first."

"Right now, we must leave this place first!"

Zhang Yi took Xiao Pu and carefully traversed the land of flames that was still radiating residual heat, finally returning to the ground successfully. A trace of relief rose in his heart, while the Red Flame Demon Ape clansmen before him were in a state of jubilation, as if they were the ones who had escaped from torment.

"Hehe, you're back, that's truly great!"

Seeing that Zhang Yi was safe and sound, the Red Fire Demon Ape's heart, which had been hanging, finally returned to its place.

In his view, the previous situation had been so critical that they would surely have had to go through a great battle.

Never did he expect that Zhang Yi could return safely.

It was just that for some reason, there was an extra little fellow beside this guy.

"Is this where our home will be from now on?"

Xiao Pu looked at his surroundings, his pair of large eyes blinking as he curiously looked around.

"No, no, no, this is the ancestral land of the Red Fire Demon Apes!"

Zhang Yi smiled slightly at the little fellow beside him, then turned to the celebrating demon apes.

"Clan Leader, sorry to have troubled you with your worries!"

"You are too polite; you previously helped us solve a major problem that had troubled us for thousands of years, this is all what we should do!"

The Red Flame Demon Ape Clan Leader said with a smile.

Although this guy had a smile on his face at this moment, Zhang Yi knew very well in his heart that these guys were actually all very nervous.

Once these guys found out Xiao Pu's true identity, he could not guarantee whether these guys would turn hostile directly.

Therefore, he had to think of a way to avoid unnecessary trouble after Xiao Pu's identity was discovered by these demon apes.

After a short rest, Zhang Yi went directly to find Ju Niao Mu Qin and his Empress Sister; he felt it was necessary to tell them about the point he was worried about!

"Mother, I don't think we can stay here any longer."

"The little fellow I brought back this time is actually a descendant of the Jinwu; if the Red Fire Demon Apes find out about this, well... it won't be easy to handle then."

Upon hearing this, Ju Niao Mu Qin was also taken aback.

She had not expected that the little thing was actually a descendant of the Jinwu.

She pondered for a moment and nodded gently: "Mm, Zhang Yi, you are right. One must be wary of others."

The Empress Sister also chimed in: "It is always good for us to be a little more cautious."

"Then we shall leave this place and go find a safer location."

Zhang Yi said slowly, his mind gradually forming a plan.

Thus, the family of three first expressed their gratitude to the Red Fire Demon Apes for their hospitality during this period, and then proposed that it was time to set off.

Although the Red Flame Demon Ape clansmen were somewhat reluctant, they ultimately understood their difficulties.

"We will keep the secret, rest assured!"

Seeing that Zhang Yi and the others were determined to leave, the Red Fire Demon Ape found it hard to stop them, and after some thought, he could only solemnly promise Zhang Yi.

Bidding farewell to the Red Flame Demon Ape clan, Zhang Yi flew through the sky with Xiao Pu, the Empress Sister, and Ju Niao Mu Qin.

They flew over towering mountains and crossed through clouds, the strong wind whistling in their ears, fully displaying their heroic spirit and lofty aspirations.

"Daddy, why can't we stay with them forever?"

Xiao Pu looked confused, flapping his small wings and shaking his little head.

"Because..."

Zhang Yi pondered for a moment before saying in a deep voice: "Because we have other goals, to become even stronger."

"Only by becoming stronger can I better protect you, isn't that right?"

Zhang Yi looked down at Xiao Pu.

"Mm, I want to become super-duper strong!"

Xiao Pu shouted with all his might.

After flying for a long time, they decided to stop first and find a safe place to consolidate the strength they had gained over these past days.

Amidst the mountains and forests, the greenery was dripping with moisture, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves to cast mottled light and shadows; it seemed like an excellent place for cultivation.

"This place looks good, let's stay here!"

Nudi took the initiative to offer her opinion; she surveyed the area and quickly made a decision.

"Alright, let's rest here for now, and you all go practice your own skills as well."

Zhang Yi nodded calmly, then immediately unfolded his own plan.

Time passed quickly, and Zhang Yi and Xiao Pu gradually found their own rhythm.

On a piece of bluestone, Xiao Pu tried to imitate the movements of its "father," and a bright golden light flowed around its body, appearing exceptionally charming.

Seeing the little fellow gesturing in a decent manner, Zhang Yi finally settled his mind again and circulated the Taotie Feast to begin digesting the energy he had swallowed during this period.

However, just as this tranquil atmosphere was gradually spreading, a low roar suddenly came from afar, causing the surrounding air to tremble slightly.

Hearing the commotion, Zhang Yi suddenly raised his head.

The surrounding air became heavy, and a trace of unease emerged.

"Something is coming!"

After hearing the commotion, Ju Niao Mu Qin did not hesitate in the slightest and instinctively spoke up to warn Zhang Yi and the others who were still cultivating.

At this very moment, a black shadow suddenly rose from the depths of the mountain forest, heading in their direction.

Feeling the tense atmosphere around him, Zhang Yi's nerves tightened instantly.

"Xiao Pu, quickly find a place to hide!"

He disregarded the situation around him and shouted urgently.

But Xiao Pu was still hesitating: "But... I can help!"

"There's no time, be obedient!"

Zhang Yi had already sensed that heavy threat and immediately urged sternly.