Chapter 122

Fang Xu landed on the opposite bank of the mountain ravine and immediately ran forward without looking back!

He did not know that the martial artists behind him had abandoned the pursuit because they feared the Earthfiend Magic Apes on this side of the mountain ravine.

Even if he had known, he would not have dared to stop.

The Lu family has a Martial Venerable in their ranks; martial artists might fear the demonic beasts deep in the Crimson Azure Mountains, but for a Martial Venerable powerhouse, when driven to desperation, they can still venture into the depths of the Crimson Azure Mountains.

Holding a long staff, Fang Xu cautiously guarded his surroundings while rushing forward at high speed.

At this moment, on the edge of the mountain ravine, a group of Lu family martial artists of the Martial Master level watched several figures flying over from a distance, and all of their faces lit up with delight.

"It's Seventh Uncle and the others!"

Seven figures arrived before the mountain ravine in the blink of an eye, glanced at the martial artists gathered around, and one middle-aged martial artist with a flesh tumor the size of a quail egg on his forehead frowned and said: "Where is that brat?"

Immediately, a martial artist fawned over and came forward, clasping his hands and saying: "Report to Seventh Uncle, that brat ran to the opposite side!"

Seventh Uncle is the title used by Lu family martial artists for this Martial Venerable; his personal name is Lu Jingren, he is the seventh in the Lu family, and Lu Liren, who died in the ruins of the Crimson Azure Mountains, is the second.

The Lu family's Lu Liren generation has many brothers, but only nine have reached the Martial Venerable realm.

This time, to hunt down Fang Xu, besides the family head Lu Shengren, all seven remaining Martial Venerables of the Lu family have arrived.

"Opposite side?"

Lu Jingren frowned and looked toward the other side of the mountain ravine, muttering: "Is that brat seeking death?"

"Several elder brothers, we must catch up quickly, otherwise if that brat is torn apart by those ferocious Earthfiend Magic Apes, his first-rank martial technique will be wasted."

The people beside him heard this and all nodded in agreement.

As Martial Venerables, they have indeed clashed with the Earthfiend Magic Apes on the opposite bank of the mountain ravine; they know that as long as they do not venture too deep into the Earthfiend Magic Apes' territory and merely operate on the periphery, the problem is not serious.

"You all go back first."

After waving his hand at the martial artists gathered on the edge of the mountain ravine, Lu Jingren and his six brothers immediately leapt forward and chased after him to the other side of the mountain ravine.

On the other side of the mountain ravine, Fang Xu has now arrived at a beautiful valley.

Before him, the valley's trees are lush and verdant, various strange flowers and exotic grasses are vying to bloom in full splendor, a small waterfall flows down from a distant mountain cliff, gathering into a winding stream that flows gently through the valley.

On the grassy bank of the stream, several white apes about the size of the broken-horned ones are lying comfortably on the grass, playing, while nearby, some smaller white apes are mischievously frolicking in the river water.

Fang Xu hid quietly to the side, not daring to make the slightest sound.

The scene before him looked harmonious, but he clearly understood in his heart what this harmony represented.

The fact that these white apes could so carelessly enjoy summer leisure in this valley necessarily meant there was a powerful clan behind them, whose strength deterred other ferocious beasts from approaching the valley, allowing them to live so leisurely within it.

As he gazed at the white apes, Fang Xu was considering how to cross this valley and reach the other side of the Crimson Azure Mountains, when suddenly a rustling sound came from the forest behind him!

Fang Xu was startled, his body suddenly tensed, and the long staff in his hand instantly smashed out!

But when he saw the scene behind him, the long staff in his hand came to a hard stop.

Before him, two white apes, even smaller than the little fellows by the distant stream, were curiously examining him; one of them, seeing Fang Xu turn around, actually grinned and extended a red, plump fruit toward him.

"Squeak-squeak-squeak!"

"Squeak-squeak!"

Stretching out its furry little paws toward Fang Xu, it seemed to be saying: Eat, it's very delicious.

Looking at the two harmless little creatures, Fang Xu slowly put away his blood-stained long staff, squeezed out a kind smile, and waved his hand.

Seeing him smile, the two little white apes tilted their heads, cautiously approached Fang Xu, reached out to touch the staff in his hand, and a flicker of disdain crossed their faces.

Seeing their reaction, Fang Xu knew that probably the bloody smell on the staff made them somewhat uncomfortable.

Immediately, he moved his heart and mind, and put the staff into his Cosmos Sack.

"Squeak-squeak!"

Seeing the staff in front of them suddenly disappear with their own eyes, the two little white apes were frightened into squeaking cries, then one after the other circled around Fang Xu, lifting his clothes to search for it.

Seeing this, Fang Xu also felt a playful urge, moved his consciousness, and the staff reappeared in his hand.

This scene directly left the two little white apes stunned in place.

"Squeak-squeak!"

"Squeak-squeak!"

The two little fellows excitedly squeaked, jumped, and then pointed at Fang Xu's staff in his hand, making a series of gestures, as if saying: Change it again! Change it again!

Seeing this, Fang Xu moved his consciousness, and the staff disappeared again.

The two little white apes immediately rushed over again to search, seemingly wanting to see where he had hidden the staff.

Watching the two little fellows rummage around him without hesitation, Fang Xu slowly extended his hand and touched the head of one of the little white apes.

The little fellow instinctively dodged, then looked at Fang Xu, and proceeded to actively bring its head toward his palm, enjoying a few rubs.

Seeing this, the other little white ape stopped searching for the staff, nimbly leapt onto Fang Xu's shoulder, and its furry paw grabbed his hair and played with it.

The two little white apes were happily playing when, not far away in the forest, some faint movements were heard again.

Through the dense forest, Fang Xu focused his gaze and suddenly discovered several figures flashing in the distant forest!

They've caught up!?

His face twitched slightly, without any hesitation, Fang Xu immediately grabbed the two little white apes and ran toward the direction of the valley!

"There!"

"Hurry!"

In the not-so-distant forest, Lu Jingren and his six brothers noticed the movement the moment Fang Xu rose to flee, and the seven of them suddenly accelerated, directly chasing after Fang Xu!

"Squeak!"

By the small stream in the valley, the several huge white apes that had been lying comfortably on the grass heard the commotion, suddenly stood up, stared at Fang Xu who was holding the two little white apes, and several huge white apes suddenly erupted with terrifying auras!

Feeling the auras on the several white apes that were not inferior to those of human Martial Venerables, Fang Xu also did not care about anything else, gritted his teeth, and charged forward directly!

Behind him, the speed of Lu Jingren and his six brothers was very fast; in the blink of an eye, they arrived not far behind Fang Xu.

"They are adult Earthfiend Magic Apes!"

Noticing several giant white apes not far away, Lu Jingren's face changed slightly.

Adult Disha Magic Apes generally possess strength comparable to human Martial Sovereigns; the seven came to this side of the mountain ravine without being too conspicuous precisely to avoid disturbing this herd of beasts.

"That kid rushed over!"

"Don't let him pass!"

Behind them, Lu Jingren and another Martial Sovereign saw Fang Xu running toward several adult Disha Magic Apes, and they immediately panicked!

Adult Disha Magic Apes are extremely strong and ferocious; Fang Xu charging like this has an eighty to ninety percent chance of being torn apart on the spot by those few adult Disha Magic Apes. If he dies, the first-rank martial technique will be completely lost!

In desperation, the two immediately attacked!

Lv Li Ren slashed at Fang Xu's lower body with a dazzling sword light, while the other also flung out three cold lights, respectively attacking Fang Xu's legs and shoulders!

Feeling the rapidly approaching sound of breaking air from behind, Fang Xu was greatly alarmed and immediately lunged forward, shielding the two small white apes beneath him!

The terrifying sword light skimmed past his scalp, slantingly cutting off some blooming flowers and plants in front of him!

The three cold lights also instantly flew past his head, heading toward the several adult Disha Magic Apes in the distance!

"Roar!"

Seeing the cold lights flying toward them, several adult Disha Magic Apes had one immediately roar angrily, then leap violently, jumping over the winding small river, its massive fist instantly blasting out and sending those three strange hidden weapons flying!

At the same time, the other four adult Disha Magic Apes also crossed the small river and gathered beside this Disha Magic Ape.

The five Disha Magic Apes ignored Fang Xu lying not far away on the ground, their ferocious gazes all fixed on Lu Jingren and his six brothers in the distance.

"Old Seven, we'll hold off those five beasts for a while—you quickly seize that kid and bring him back!"

"This is the territory of the Disha Magic Apes; we must fight swiftly and decisively, otherwise disturbing more Disha Magic Apes will make it impossible for us to escape!"

Among the seven, a bald Martial Sovereign spoke with a solemn expression.

His name is Lu Daoren, and he is the fourth in the Lu family.

"Fourth Brother, rest assured—just give me a breath and it'll be enough." Lu Jingren said rather confidently.

Several people nodded, glanced at the five Disha Magic Apes in the distance, and immediately charged forward.

Six against five, occupying a numerical advantage, the Lu brothers did not plan to go all out against the five Disha Magic Apes.

The Blue Ridge Mountain section is close to Qingzhou, which belongs to the Lu family; Disha Magic Apes are very vengeful, and if they were slaughtered, the entire Qingzhou would inevitably suffer retaliation from the Disha Magic Apes.

As soon as the two sides made contact, they instantly engaged in battle!

Seeing the five adult Disha Magic Apes all entangled, Lu Jingren immediately smirked and charged toward Fang Xu!

As Fang Xu climbed up from the ground, seeing the ferocious-faced Lu Jingren rushing toward him, he directly threw the two small white apes to one side, a flash of light in his hand, and the staff instantly appeared!

Martial Sovereign—I killed him in the ruins, but here is outside the ruins, without the suppression of restrictions, I don't know how many of his moves I can block.

"Huh?"

Seeing Fang Xu suddenly produce a staff from his hand, Lu Jingren was first stunned, then overjoyed!

As a Martial Sovereign, he naturally heard legends about the miraculous Qiankun Bag.

Before him, Fang Xu could "produce" a strange staff out of thin air, proving he most likely carries a Qiankun Bag on him!

The value of the Qiankun Bag is not inferior to a first-rank martial technique; seeing this, Lu Jingren's heart instantly stirred with greed!

After capturing this kid, I must hide the Qiankun Bag immediately!

With this plan, his gaze toward Fang Xu became somewhat scorching.

On Fang Xu's side, after the staff was drawn, his blood and qi suddenly boiled, he stomped fiercely with his feet, and gathered all his strength into the staff in his hand!

The staff, faintly glowing with red light, smashed fiercely toward the oncoming Lu Jingren!

Facing Fang Xu's full-force strike, Lu Jingren flashed a hint of disdain on his face, did not dodge, and directly slashed his long sword downward at the incoming staff!

Clang!

The staff, imbued with terrifying power, struck Lu Jingren's long sword!

Had it been an ordinary martial artist of the seventh level of Warrior, completely unprepared, facing Fang Xu's strike, he would very likely suffer serious injury.

But Lu Jingren is a Martial Sovereign; although Fang Xu's terrifying power surprised him slightly, he merely felt his sword sink a little, then blocked it outright!

Not only that, after blocking this strike, Lu Jingren's long sword twisted and strangely slashed toward Fang Xu's hands gripping the staff!

Facing this move, Fang Xu saw he couldn't dodge in time, so he could only release his grip on the staff and punch straight at Lu Jingren's head!

Boom!

A palm like an iron clamp instantly appeared, gripping Fang Xu's striking palm; Lu Jingren coldly said: "I have to say, your strength is impressive—you're nothing like a sixth-level Martial Trainee."

"But, a Martial Sovereign is a Martial Sovereign—the power of the Aperture Star Chart is not something you can comprehend."

With his left palm slightly exerting force, Lu Jingren actually intended to directly crush Fang Xu's fist!

Whoosh!

Feeling pain in his palm, Fang Xu's body suddenly twisted, using the rotational force to break free from Lu Jingren's control, and with the help of that rotational force, he retreated several zhang backward!

Seeing Fang Xu break free from his control, Lu Jingren hesitated not at all and immediately charged forward!

His speed was extremely fast—so fast that Fang Xu barely had time to react before Lu Jingren appeared before him!

Roar!

Seeing Lu Jingren within arm's reach, he clearly understood he could no longer hold back!

A roar erupted, and instantly a towering, blood-red magic ape phantom, about a zhang tall, appeared behind him!

At the instant the magic ape phantom appeared, Lu Jingren's palm had already reached out toward him!

Seeing the palm grabbing toward him, Fang Xu, whose power had greatly increased, hesitated not at all and punched straight at that palm!

Boom!

The terrifying power accompanied by his punch struck Lu Jingren's palm, directly sending him violently recoiling backward!

Pressing the advantage relentlessly!

With Fang Xu's current Blood Qi Power, the Magic Ape Three Transformations can only last about a minute.

Not daring to waste precious time, his figure shot out suddenly as he took the initiative to launch an attack on Lu Jingren!

With the enhancement of the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape, whether it was strength or speed, it had increased several times compared to before!

Opposite him, feeling his arm slightly numb, Lu Jingren looked solemnly at the charging Fang Xu, secretly shocked in his heart!

Could this be the first-rank martial technique this kid has comprehended?

No wonder it's a first-rank martial technique, it's too strong!

His eyes blazing hot, Lu Jingren immediately held back nothing, his full strength as a Martial Sovereign Third Realm erupting as he charged toward Fang Xu!

On the other side, the six Lu brothers and five adult Earth Fiend Magic Apes had been fighting for a long time, and due to worrying about other Earth Fiend Magic Apes coming to reinforce, the six had already made plans to retreat at any moment.

But seeing Lu Jingren still not having captured Fang Xu at this moment, the six couldn't help but feel a bit anxious.

"Old Seven! What are you doing!?"

"A mere martial disciple, and you haven't settled it in ten breaths!"

The bald Lu Daoren blocked the Earth Fiend Magic Ape's attack while shouting angrily.

Hearing his questioning, Lu Jingren was also at a loss for words at this moment, as Fang Xu, having unleashed the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape, now not only had all his physical qualities multiplied several times, but his defensive ability had also become extremely monstrous!

His successive attacks were all blocked by the magic ape phantom appearing on Fang Xu's body surface, and fearing his attack was too strong and might accidentally kill Fang Xu, he also dared not go all out.

"Give me ten more breaths!"

Watching the crimson magic ape phantom on Fang Xu's body surface fade more and more, Lu Jingren knew he couldn't hold on much longer!

On Fang Xu's side, under normal circumstances, the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape could last about a minute, but Lu Jingren's attacks were too strong, and each time the magic ape phantom blocked his attack, it consumed a large amount of Blood Qi.

Therefore, after just more than ten breaths, his Three Transformations of the Magic Ape was about to collapse!

Feeling the rapid consumption of Blood Qi in his body, Fang Xu became a bit anxious.

Once he lost the Three Transformations of the Magic Ape, coupled with the large consumption of Blood Qi, he couldn't even block a single move from Lu Jingren!

Boom!

After again taking Lu Jingren's palm head-on, his Blood Qi violently trembled in his body, and the next moment, a feeling of dizziness and blurred vision surfaced, the magic ape phantom shimmering on his body surface for a few moments before directly dissipating.

Seeing the magic ape phantom disappear, Lu Jingren laughed.

"Kid, your turtle shell is gone..."

Forcing himself to endure the waves of dizziness from his body, Fang Xu slowly raised his head, and when his gaze fell on Lu Jingren's back, a faint smile appeared on his face.

Seeing his strange smile, Lu Jingren was slightly startled, a bad feeling quickly rising in his heart, and without turning back, he swiftly slashed a sword behind him!

Roar!

Before the sword light could fly out, a shout of anger, and the next moment, an unknown beast bone directly flung his long sword aside!

Following closely was a huge palm like a palm-leaf fan!

Lu Jingren was greatly alarmed by this sight!

He didn't know when this adult Earth Fiend Magic Ape had crept up behind him.

With his long sword flung aside, at this moment trying to block the Earth Fiend Magic Ape's terrifying big palm was already too late!

Bang!

Having gathered his entire body's Blood Qi Power, he took this palm head-on, and Lu Jingren was directly flung flying away!

Roar!

Having flung Lu Jingren away, the Earth Fiend Magic Ape holding a bone staff let out a roar, merely glanced at Fang Xu not far away, then led the other adult Earth Fiend Magic Apes behind it to charge toward the Lu six brothers!

"Oh no!"

"The other Earth Fiend Magic Apes have arrived!"

Seeing the dozens of Earth Fiend Magic Apes charging from the side, the Lu six brothers all turned pale!

"Retreat!"

"Quickly retreat!"

The bald Lu Daoren didn't dare hesitate at all, immediately shouting loudly to want to withdraw from the battlefield.

But the five Earth Fiend Magic Apes fighting them were obviously not prepared to let them go, seeing their clansmen coming, the five Earth Fiend Magic Apes completely disregarded their own injuries and tightly entangled them.

"Old Seven, Old Nine, you few retreat first!"

To say that Lu Daoren was also a person deep in brotherly affection, knowing that if this continued, none of them could escape, he immediately hardened his heart, alone blocking the attacks of the five Earth Fiend Magic Apes, preparing to give his brothers a chance to escape!

Seeing this, the six also didn't hesitate, immediately leaping up and flying toward the direction of the mountain ravine!

Roar!

Seeing the few people about to fly away, the Earth Fiend Magic Ape holding a bone staff suddenly threw the bone staff in his hand!

The bone staff carried terrifying force, like a precisely guided missile, directly smashing down a Lu family Martial Sovereign who had flown into mid-air!

Seeing this, the other Earth Fiend Magic Apes also threw their weapons into the sky one after another!

In mid-air, the remaining five of the Lu brothers again had an unlucky one smashed down, while the other four dared not linger, quickly disappearing into the distant forest!

"Roar!"

The leading Earth Fiend Magic Ape let out a shout, and the surrounding Earth Fiend Magic Apes immediately split off a few, pressing the two other Lu family Martial Sovereigns who had been struck down in the forest over!

Lu Daoren, who was single-handedly fighting five Earth Fiend Magic Apes, was now also beaten into heavy injury, pressed to the ground!

"Roar!"

That Earth Fiend Magic Ape glanced at Fang Xu beside him, then two adult Earth Fiend Magic Apes directly charged forward, roughly seizing control of him!

After the four were subdued, they were carried by a crowd of Earth Fiend Magic Apes, walking toward the mountain valley!

These sturdy Earth Fiend Magic Apes brought Fang Xu and the four others to the waterfall at the end of the mountain valley, leapt up, grabbed the protruding rocks, vines on the mountain cliff, and quickly reached the top of the waterfall!

Plop!

Plop!

Four people were roughly thrown to the ground.

The leading Earth Fiend Demon Ape walked slowly toward the nearby cave; after a moment, an obviously elderly old ape emerged from the cave.

The old ape leaned on a bone staff hung with various ferocious beasts' teeth and bones, his body somewhat stooped, like an aged old man.

"Human..."

Approaching the few people, the old ape actually slowly spat out human language.

"Why did you invade our clan's territory and wound my clansmen?"

Facing the old ape's questioning, Fang Xu had not yet spoken, while on the other side, among the Lü family three brothers bound like zongzi, Lü Daoist hurriedly opened his mouth: "We meant no offense; this time we came to your esteemed clan's land to capture an enemy."

"Enemy?" The old ape, hearing this, glanced at Fang Xu, likewise bound hand and foot beside him, and smiled: "According to your humans' strength division, this little fellow only has the strength of a Martial Practitioner or so; you few went to great trouble, not hesitating to invade our clan's territory—is it truly because of him that you bear a grudge?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Daoist's expression changed slightly.

He had not expected this old ape's gaze to be so sharp.

"Sir, we meant no offense; please show mercy and let our three brothers go; we can swear on behalf of the Qingzhou Lü family that henceforth we shall not set foot in your clan's territory even half a step!"

First-rank martial techniques are good, but now their very lives are pinched in this old ape's hand; if they do not beg for mercy, they will surely be slain on the spot!

"Hehe..."

The old ape leaned on his bone staff, grinning: "You wounded my clansmen and still think to save your lives?"

"Qingzhou Lü family... it seems your Lü family's old codger has already forgotten how I broke his legs back then and threw him to the other side of the mountain ravine."

The old ape waved his hand: "Boil them; give the brains to the clan's little ones to open their wisdom, and eat the flesh and blood as well—human Martial Venerable's flesh and blood, a great tonic..."

Upon hearing his words, the surrounding Earth Fiend Demon Apes all excitedly howled and hoisted the Lü family three brothers up.

"Senior!"

"Old beast, killing our Lü family will not let you off!"

"Old beast..."

The three cursed as they were lifted away.

The old ape came from afar to Fang Xu's front, scrutinizing him and frowning: "Your realm is only Martial Disciple, also useless; lift him to the back mountain to give those old fellows a taste of meat."

Upon hearing its words, two adult Earth Fiend Demon Apes immediately lifted Fang Xu, preparing to head for the back mountain.

"Squeak!"

"Squeak!"

At this moment, amidst the Earth Fiend Demon Apes, two small white apes suddenly ran out; the two little fellows came before the old ape, squeaking and gesturing.

The old ape lowered his head to look at the two little fellows, a hint of kindness appearing on his face, bent down and lifted them onto his shoulders, saying: "You say this human can perform magic tricks?"

The two small white apes obviously did not know what "magic tricks" meant, but felt it should be roughly what they wanted to express, and immediately nodded frantically.

"Squeak squeak squeak..."

"You want him to keep you company while you play?"

The two small white apes nodded again.

The old ape looked at the bound Fang Xu, then at the two small white apes on his shoulders, hesitated a moment, and said: "Never mind, just spare his life."

Saying this, he waved his hand, letting two Earth Fiend Demon Apes put Fang Xu down and undo the vines binding him.

"Human, I spare your life; you shall stay here to be a playmate for these little brats, and by the way teach them human knowledge."

"Do not harbor other thoughts; otherwise, I will directly throw you to the back mountain, letting those old fellows eat you."

After saying this, the old ape turned and walked into the cave, leaving only Fang Xu with an ugly expression, watching the two excited little white apes rush toward him; Fang Xu fell into contemplation.

(End of Chapter)