Chapter 153

Everyone immediately turned to look in the direction of the voice.

Only then did they realize someone was walking toward the beast.

His steps were neither light nor heavy, his pace neither fast nor slow.

It even had the air of a leisurely stroll.

"That's Meng Zhangqing from Lingxiao Peak!"

"What is he trying to do?"

"Could he actually be planning to fight that beast?"

Seeing this, the crowd began murmuring and halted their retreat.

All eyes turned toward Meng Zhangqing.

"He's insane—Shi Guang, a bloodline user, was defeated. How could he, a mere martial artist, possibly stand a chance?"

"Didn't you see what happened to Kuang Dao, Xiao Zhen, and the others? They're all Sea Opening Realm too—none of them are weaker than him..."

"Why not?"

Some Lingxiao Peak disciples heard this and immediately bristled—after all, they shared the same lineage; how could they tolerate such words? They shot back immediately. "Zero-One-Zero"

"Don't forget that the mighty Ghost Finger Bei Qianke fell to Senior Brother Meng's hands!"

"Bei Qianke was strong, but only to us. If you sent Kuang Dao or the others, wouldn't they kill him too?"

Someone countered, "This Senior Brother Meng just got lucky—he happened to encounter Bei Qianke."

"You—"

Many Lingxiao Peak disciples glared angrily, yet found no rebuttal.

For now, Senior Brother Meng truly couldn't match Shi Guang, a bloodline user—he was roughly on par with Kuang Dao and the others.

"Enough, what's there to argue about?"

Someone spoke up, "This Senior Brother Meng is also a top genius. Maybe he's just going to experience it—after all, bloodline beasts aren't easily encountered."

Upon hearing this,

many deeply agreed.

In this age, the number of beasts has dwindled drastically, let alone bloodline beasts.

They're almost impossible to encounter.

If you miss this chance today, you'll never find another.

Thinking this, everyone's gaze locked tightly onto Meng Zhangqing's figure.

Regardless, he's our Zong Sect's top genius—let's hope he can hold out a little longer against the beast.

Xiao Zhen, who had been unconscious, had somehow awakened.

Not far from him lay Kuang Dao.

Both stared at Meng Zhangqing; they knew almost nothing about this fellow disciple.

They had never seen him before.

But judging by his record and current cultivation base, he shouldn't be weak.

Still, how many strikes could he possibly land against this beast?

"Brother, Senior Brother Meng is going to challenge that beast."

Hearing the murmurs around him, Shi Yao said.

At this, Shi Guang opened his eyes.

Both watched Meng Zhangqing's figure grow ever more distant.

"Isn't Senior Brother Meng's courage a bit too bold? This is a bloodline beast—even you can't defeat it yet."

Shi Yao said.

"Perhaps he's just seeking experience."

Shi Guang's thoughts mirrored those of many others.

Bloodline beasts are rare—how could one afford to miss this?

――

Meng Zhangqing paid no attention to the voices behind him.

For often, facts are the most powerful answer.

When he was thirty paces from the Crimson Fury Golden Ape, Meng Zhangqing stopped.

This massive beast, even seated, towered far above him.

Like a small mountain.

"Human... you are not my... opponent..."

The Crimson Fury Golden Ape glanced at Meng Zhangqing, then closed its eyes again.

In its perception, this human was no different from the first few.

It could subdue him within ten strikes.

"How can you know unless you try?"

Meng Zhangqing smiled slightly.

"Since... it's like this... don't blame me for going too hard..."

The Crimson Fury Golden Ape opened its eyes again and stood up.

"Of course I won't blame you—I hope you won't blame me either."

Meng Zhangqing replied.

"Blame you?"

The Crimson Fury Diamond Monkey blinked in surprise.

"Yes, I'm actually rather reckless with my strength—I can't always gauge the right limit. If I hurt you, please bear with me."

Meng Zhangqing said with a smile.

"Human... you have... great... confidence..."

The Crimson Fury Diamond Monkey was left speechless for a moment by Meng Zhangqing's words, finally forcing out those few phrases.

"By the way, would you like some time to restore your demonic energy? After all, your battle with Shi Guang must have drained you considerably."

Meng Zhangqing continued.

Upon hearing this,

the Crimson Fury Diamond Monkey couldn't help but draw a deep breath.

Such an audacious human—it had never seen the like.

Didn't it know that the previous bloodline user had already been defeated by it?

Just a mere pure martial artist...

Where did it get such confidence?

Among the watching disciples, upon hearing Meng Zhangqing's words, all fell into stunned silence.

"Does this Senior Meng know what he's saying?"

"If I hurt you, please bear with me?"

"Would you like some time to restore your demonic energy?"

The implication behind those words was never about testing or sparring.

It was entirely about defeating this demonic beast!

"From Lingxiao Peak? Is your senior here... a bit off?"

Someone couldn't help but glance toward Lingxiao Peak's ranks, pointing at their head.

"..."

The disciples opened their mouths but could not speak.

Although Senior Meng's performance was impressive—showing not the slightest fear before such a powerful demonic beast—strength isn't spoken into existence; it must truly be there.

Otherwise, he'll only become a laughingstock!

"Too arrogant."

Even Kuangdao, who cultivated the Furious Intent Scripture, couldn't help but shake his head.

――

"Then... human... are you ready..."

The Crimson Fury Diamond Monkey pulled out several elixirs, tossed them into its mouth, and its depleted demonic energy quickly replenished.