Chapter 124: Great River, Giant Turtle, Death of the Black Flood Dragon!

After his figure appeared at the flashing gate, Fang Xu patted the dust off his body, somewhat bewildered as he looked toward the cave behind him and muttered: "Strange, it was fine, how did it just explode?"

"Senior…… huh?"

Just as he was about to turn around and tell the old ape, the stone slab inside the cave exploded for no reason, and Fang Xu saw the old ape undergoing a tremendous change at that moment.

If it weren't for the bone staff still in his hand, Fang Xu would have found it hard to link the cloaked figure before him with the old ape from before.

"Senior, this……"

The old ape slowly removed his bamboo hat, revealing a face covered in white fur; aside from this face, the rest of his body had completely transformed into a human form.

"I used some of the clan's hidden reserves, but my aptitude was insufficient, so I could not fully transform into a human form," the old ape said with a light smile.

Although he was dissatisfied with his current appearance, Fang Xu still felt greatly surprised.

"Senior, can the monster beast clan transform into human form?"

Hearing his question, the old ape chuckled and said:

"This is natural."

"I once heard the previous Grand Priest say that when a monster beast's cultivation reaches a certain level, it can fully transform into human form."

"Unlike me, who, despite relying on the clan's hidden treasures, can only change into this neither-human-nor-ape form."

"Kid, have you comprehended what's on the ancestral artifact?" the old ape said, somewhat excited, looking at Fang Xu.

Fang Xu thought for a moment, nodded, and said: "I have grasped some of it, but I don't know if it's what you wanted, Senior."

After fully comprehending what was on the stone slab, Fang Xu faintly sensed that the record on the Earth Fiend Magic Ape clan's ancestral artifact stone tablet seemed to be a cultivation method.

In a sense, this method allows awakened monster beasts to continue their cultivation.

However, the method is clearly more suited for human cultivation; Fang Xu himself had already grasped the Magic Ape Three Transformations divine ability, and when studying the method on the stone tablet, it achieved twice the result with half the effort.

Moreover, combining his prior understanding of the Magic Ape Three Transformations, he made some minor adjustments to the method on the stone tablet; now, the new method has a rough outline in his mind.

"Senior, there are some things I cannot put into words; how about this: you gather all the clansmen, and I will personally demonstrate the first transformation for them."

The Magic Ape Three Transformations is a divine ability, which involves artistic conception; the method recorded on the Earth Fiend Magic Ape's ancestral artifact is of comparable level, so trying to explain it in words is clearly beyond his current ability.

The old ape nodded, looked at the group of Earth Fiend Magic Apes behind him, and said: "Immediately summon all the clansmen to gather in the valley."

A few Earth Fiend Magic Apes, upon hearing the order, leapt away and vanished from sight.

Shortly thereafter, all the Earth Fiend Magic Apes in the entire valley gathered in the valley beneath the waterfall.

Fang Xu glanced roughly and saw that the Earth Fiend Magic Ape clan numbered about a hundred or so.

Among them, fewer than forty were adult Earth Fiend Magic Apes; the rest were half-grown or little fellows like the two small white apes.

"Little Friend Fang, please."

Seeing that all the clansmen had arrived, the old ape slightly raised his hand to signal.

Fang Xu nodded, stepped forward to stand before the Earth Fiend Magic Apes, adjusted his breathing, and began to practice.

Although his body was human, from the moment he first stepped onto the martial path, Lu Zhiyuan had given him the Nine Ape Staff martial art; later he cultivated the Magic Ape Three Transformations divine ability, and last night he also gained insight from the Earth Fiend Magic Ape clan's ancestral artifact.

His understanding of apes is quite profound.

With his human body, imitating the various movements of apes, gradually Fang Xu forgot himself, as if he had completely become a giant ape living deep in the mountains.

Before him, the Earth Fiend Magic Apes focused intently on Fang Xu ahead, staring at his every move.

Fang Xu's practice grew more and more absorbed; eventually, a faint Magic Ape phantom gradually appeared behind him.

This Magic Ape phantom was not formed by the Magic Ape Three Transformations; it was entirely an alternative dharma appearance formed when Fang Xu's understanding of the method recorded on the Earth Fiend Magic Ape's ancestral artifact reached a certain level.

At first the Magic Ape phantom flickered in and out, but as his practice continued it grew more solid, until finally a scarlet Magic Ape phantom suddenly appeared!

Roar!

The two phantoms let out a simultaneous roar, then, under the gaze of the Earth Fiend Magic Apes, merged directly into one!

At this moment!

The Magic Ape phantom, which had been only about a zhang tall, suddenly swelled to over two zhang!

Fang Xu, lost in his practice, was unaware of the outside changes; at that moment he was immersed in a series of profound states, feeling that as he practiced, his comprehension of the Magic Ape Three Transformations and the contents of the ancestral artifact stone tablet grew deeper and deeper.

He sensed that if this state could be maintained, he might be able to grasp even deeper truths.

Whoosh!

His bodily movements drove the Magic Ape phantom, which stood over two zhang tall, to move along; the terrifying aura generated by the giant phantom's every gesture forced the Earth Fiend Magic Apes to continually retreat.

Watching this scene, the old ape's expression grew somewhat complex.

He had observed the ancestral artifact for nearly a hundred years; although he had not fully comprehended it, he knew that what Fang Xu was now displaying was certainly not what was recorded on the artifact.

Especially the blood-red Magic Ape behind him, standing over two zhang tall, when facing this Magic Ape phantom, the old ape could clearly feel a tremor rising from the depths of his soul!

Pfft!

As the Magic Ape phantom's movements grew slower, Fang Xu, who was practicing in the field, suddenly stiffened and spat out a mouthful of blood!

The artistic conception was interrupted, and the Magic Ape phantom behind him gradually faded away.

The old ape flashed forward, steadied the staggering Fang Xu, and asked anxiously: "Little Friend Fang, what happened?"

Fang Xu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a gleam flashed in his eyes, then he gave a somewhat dejected smile and said: "Senior, I'm fine."

The old ape seemed to understand Fang Xu's recent ordeal, sighed lightly, and said: "The path of cultivation is long and arduous; one must not rush ahead or forcefully pry into what ought not be seen, or one will surely suffer backlash."

Fang Xu nodded.

The old ape's words were correct; he had just used that wonderful sensation to forcibly probe deeper truths, which caused the backlash, stirring his blood and qi.

Looking back now, he inevitably felt a bit regretful.

He felt that if he could step onto that level, the Magic Ape Three Transformations would instantly reach great accomplishment!

But it's already not bad; he could clearly feel that his understanding of the Magic Ape Three Transformations had improved considerably once again.

"Senior, I am dull and can only go this far," Fang Xu said, bowing slightly toward the old ape with an apologetic tone.

The old ape waved his hand: "It's already quite good."

Little Friend Fang, I, the old man, have already ordered the clansmen to immediately move away from here, to other places to lay low.

For this westward journey, I, the old man, intend to go together with you, Little Friend. I, the old man, have little time left; in these few remaining days, let me go and have a look at the human world.

Choosing to consume the clan's foundation, taking human form, Lao Yuan already has plans for a long journey.

Over these years, since gaining intelligence, he has learned much human knowledge and has always longed for the world beyond the mountains.

But because of the clan's continuation, he has never set foot in the human world.

Now that his life is nearing its end, Lao Yuan also understands that by following Fang Xu into the human world for a trip, perhaps he can find a sliver of opportunity to break his shackles and advance further.

Regarding Lao Yuan's decision, Fang Xu was not very surprised.

"Senior, willing to accompany me, I am deeply grateful."

I am not clear about Lao Yuan's cultivation at his peak; even now, with his qi and blood declined, Fang Xu can still sense that Lao Yuan's strength should not be inferior to that of Shatian Rui.

"Don't get too excited just yet."

"By consuming the clan's foundation to become this state, I, the old man, have only one year of lifespan left."

"This is assuming no combat with people; if I were to clash with a human Martial Venerable, it would accelerate the decline of my qi and blood, so, some trouble—I might not be able to help you much."

Lao Yuan spoke with a solemn expression.

Fang Xu heard this; although he felt a bit disappointed, he still smiled and said: "No problem, I have always followed the principle of avoiding trouble when possible, yielding when avoidance is impossible, and only resorting to force when necessary."

Lao Yuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the Earthfiend Demon Apes still immersed in that recent state, and calmly said: "Let's wait for them to wake up before we set out."

Time passed quickly, and the sky grew dark once again.

The jade rabbit rose, and the Earthfiend Demon Apes immersed in that state gradually awoke.

Seeing this, Lao Yuan summoned a robust adult Earthfiend Demon Ape and spoke solemnly: "After I depart, the clansmen will be entrusted to you."

"From now on, you are the new High Priest of the Earthfiend Demon Ape clan; you must lead the clansmen to live well."

He solemnly handed the bone staff to that Earthfiend Demon Ape; Lao Yuan glanced at the other clansmen with some reluctance and said: "On this distant journey, if I do not die, I will surely return to lead you all in reclaiming our ancestral land."

"Children, I am leaving."

Waving at the Earthfiend Demon Apes, Lao Yuan immediately turned to glance at Fang Xu beside him, then seized his arm and shot forward, flying toward the distant forest!

"Roar!"

"Squeak!"

"Squeak-squeak-squeak!"

Behind them, the Earthfiend Demon Apes watching the departing Lao Yuan all let out mournful cries.

In the forest, Lao Yuan brought Fang Xu, leaping continuously; each leap easily covered a hundred zhang, until the clansmen's howls could no longer be heard behind them, and Lao Yuan stopped.

Seeing the fleeting sorrow on Lao Yuan's face, Fang Xu comforted: "Senior, rest assured, we will definitely return."

Lao Yuan did not respond, slowly taking off the bamboo hat from his back and placing it on his head, then said calmly: "In this appearance, entering the human world will surely invite trouble."

"Little Friend, from now on, in the human world, let us address each other as master and servant."

Fang Xu heard this and repeatedly waved his hands: "That won't do; from now on I will call you Uncle Yuan."

Lao Yuan nodded, not dwelling on these, then turned to ask Fang Xu: "Tell me your plans,"

On the boulder, Fang Xu raised his head to look at the endless forest in the distance, fell silent for a moment, then said: "My original plan was to set out from Tilan Mountain, head straight to the junction of Tilan Mountain and Wangyue Mountain, exit the pass and detour onto Muyun Grassland, then proceed to Northern Liangzhou, turn back southward, and go to Zhongzhou."

Hearing his plan, Lao Yuan slightly nodded and said: "This plan is not bad."

"According to what you said, the forces of the Yu State in the human world will begin pursuing you from the southernmost ruins of Tilan Mountain, also knowing your destination; they will surely set up a heavenly net and earthly trap in the western part of Zhongzhou."

"Although this route is somewhat longer, it is relatively safer."

"However, for the journey to Muyun Grassland, there is actually no need to detour to Wangyue Mountain; I know a shortcut."

"Let's go."

Having finished speaking, Lao Yuan directly led Fang Xu forward.

At dawn, the two quickly arrived before a vast, rushing river.

Gazing at the river before him, Lao Yuan said:

"This river flows out from deep within Tilan Mountain; we only need to go with the current, and we will soon reach Muyun Grassland."

Hearing his words, Fang Xu furrowed his brow slightly.

Before them, the river's current was turbulent, and there were no boats around; how could they use the water to drift downstream?

Seeing him frown, Lao Yuan chuckled and said: "Come with me."

Bringing Fang Xu to the river's edge, gazing at the roaring waters, Lao Yuan slowly inhaled, then shouted in a deep voice: "Lao Wugui, old friend, I've come to see you!"

This sound, like a great bell, directly drowned out the roaring river and drifted away into the distance.

After a long while——

Within the surging river, there was not the slightest movement.

Lao Yuan's brow slightly furrowed, and he couldn't help muttering: "It's been years since we last met; could this Lao Wugui have died?"

Just as his words fell, the river ahead suddenly burst forth with a barrage of water arrows!

These water arrows carried terrifying force, shooting directly at Fang Xu and Lao Yuan!

"Whoosh!"

Fang Xu saw this, flashed aside, and his long staff moved in an airtight dance, blocking the incoming water arrows one after another.

"Uncle Yuan..."

"No problem." Seeing Fang Xu's appearance of facing a great enemy, Lao Yuan chuckled and quietly gazed at the river before him.

Under his gaze, a colossal figure slowly rose from the surging waters before him!

It was a giant turtle!

After the giant turtle slowly rose from the riverbed, a somewhat aged voice slowly sounded.

"Who dares disturb my tranquil slumber? It turns out to be you, this little monkey."

"Little monkey, have you taken that step?"

"The giant turtle's voice carried seven parts doubt and three parts envy as it asked."

"The old monkey shook his head slightly: 'I used some of my reserves, taking a gamble.'"

"Hearing that, the giant turtle said nothing, its big, rolling eyes turning to Fang Xu beside it and asked, 'This little guy……is he a human?'"

"Seeing the giant turtle look at him, Fang Xu slightly clasped his hands: 'Greetings, senior.'"

"The giant turtle nodded, then turned to the old monkey and said, 'Little monkey, what brings you and this human brat here?'"

"The old monkey gave a faint smile: 'I'd like to ask you for a favor—to carry us out of the mountains.'"

"Hearing that, the giant turtle didn't waste a word, immediately preparing to dive to the river bottom."

"Old turtle!"

"Old turtle, wait a moment!"

"Seeing this, the old monkey quickly shouted."

"With most of its body already submerged, the giant turtle left only its head above water, looking at the old monkey somewhat angrily and said, 'Little monkey, what do you take me for?'"

"The old monkey chuckled: 'Don't be so petty.'"

"As the uncrowned king of this eight-hundred-li great river, taking us out of the mountains isn't exactly a trivial task for you, is it?"

"Hearing the old monkey's words, a fleeting, hardly noticeable joy crossed the giant turtle's old face, then it straightened its face and said, 'Damn that uncrowned king! Little monkey, stop flattering me!'"

"Having lived this long, I myself am not even clear on how many catties and taels I weigh."

"Seeing this, the old monkey's mouth curled slightly: 'In that case, old turtle, you're still afraid of that black flood dragon, aren't you?'"

"Nonsense!"

"That stinky loach, even if I stand still and let it hit me, it can't do anything to me."

"Being provoked by the old monkey like that, the giant turtle, somewhat angrily, rose its body back above the water."

"Tch… I don't even know who it was back then, getting flipped over onto the ground with all four legs in the air…"

"Shut up!"

"With a roar, the giant turtle caused a large number of water arrows to suddenly appear, shooting again toward Fang Xu and the old monkey on the shore!"

"Boom!"

"The old monkey lightly struck out a palm, scattering the sky-full of water arrows."

"Old turtle, I have only a year of lifespan left; if you want to wash away the shame of the past, why not go find that black flood dragon now and fight it, so I can witness it."

"Otherwise, I will never forget how you had your legs torn off and flung sky‑wide…"

"Enough!"

"The phrase 'four legs in the air' seems to be a humiliation the giant turtle can't bear; whenever the old monkey mentions it, it instantly breaks down."

"You brat, considering you don't have much time left to live, I'll take you out of the mountains."

"Saying that, it slowly moved to the bank, quite displeased, and said, 'Come up.'"

"Fang Xu saw this and glanced at the old monkey."

"The old monkey said nothing, directly grabbed his shoulder, gave a light leap, and steadily landed on the giant turtle's broad back."

"The giant turtle turned its head to glance at the two of them and said, 'Hold on tight; if you fall off, I won't be responsible for you.'"

"Having said that, it suddenly surged forward!"

"Sitting on the giant turtle's back, watching the forests on both banks rapidly recede, Fang Xu exclaimed somewhat startled, 'Aren't turtles supposed to be slow?'"

"The old monkey gave a faint smile: 'That's an ordinary turtle; this old turtle has lived nearly a thousand years, long since transcending ordinary turtlekind, its strength comparable to a human martial artist at the seventh level of the Martial Venerable realm.'"

"Uncle Yuan, is the black flood dragon you mentioned stronger than it?"

"The old monkey nodded: 'That black flood dragon lives in the lower reaches of this great river; its strength is not much different from my peak.'"

"The old turtle is no match for it."

"Hearing that, the old turtle beneath the two still felt a bit unconvinced."

"Hmph!"

"I admit I can't beat that stinky loach, but so what?"

"You're stronger than me, but aren't you still going to die before me?"

"If I can outlast you, I can outlast that stinky loach—not just you, but your sons, your grandsons, I'll outlast them all…"

"Having said that, the giant turtle wore a look of smug satisfaction."

"Hey! You old fogey, that's all you've got!"

"Hearing its words, the old monkey instantly flared with anger and fiercely pounded the giant turtle's shell several times."

"Kid, believe it or not, I'll flip you two into the river right now!"

"The giant turtle, somewhat angry from being hit, twisted its body and immediately tried to overturn the two."

"Senior, calm down!"

"Calm down!"

"Grasping the protrusion on the giant turtle's shell, Fang Xu quickly urged, 'You're a senior, don't lower yourself to the level of us juniors.'"

"Hearing Fang Xu's words, the giant turtle steadied its body and said, 'See? It's still this human kid who's sensible.'"

"The old monkey still wanted to say something, but Fang Xu quickly grabbed him."

"If the giant turtle overturned them into the river, they wouldn't drown, but they'd at least be in a sorry state."

"Moreover, without the giant turtle's help, getting out of the mountains from here would take at least two days of travel; it's not worth it just for a couple of words."

"The old monkey resentfully shut up and stopped provoking the giant turtle."

"The two sat on the giant turtle's back, heading west along the river; in less than half a day, the towering mountains on both sides gradually became gentle."

"However, at this moment the giant turtle's speed slowed down."

Sitting on the giant tortoise's back, Fang Xu faintly sensed its hesitation and wandering.

The old monkey saw this and couldn't help laughing, saying, "Old tortoise, are you scared?"

"Who... who's scared!" the giant tortoise refused to admit, but its speed grew slower and slower, until finally it even stopped once in the turbulent river water.

Seeing this, Fang Xu quickly realized that the river ahead was likely the territory of the black flood dragon the old monkey mentioned; the giant tortoise had been beaten by the black flood dragon and dared not go further.

"Uncle Monkey..."

After glancing at the old monkey, Fang Xu hadn't spoken yet when the old monkey understood he was eager to hurry; he lightly patted the giant tortoise's shell and calmly said, "Old tortoise, keep going; if the black flood dragon gives you trouble, we'll join forces and definitely help you regain your standing."

Hearing this, the giant tortoise instantly became happy.

"Kid, do you keep your word?"

The old monkey nodded: "Sure, sure."

Seeing his certainty, the giant tortoise no longer hesitated and immediately surged forward, swimming toward the river ahead.

While swimming, it also shouted:

"Smelly loach, this old man has been watching you!"

"Smelly loach, come out and see this old man!"

On the tortoise's back, seeing its arrogant appearance, the old monkey laughed and cried, saying, "Old tortoise, you're too arrogant!"

The giant tortoise proudly turned its head: "It's rare that you, kid, promised to help this old man; this old man ought to give that smelly loach a good lesson."

After saying that, it continued shouting, "Smelly loach, don't hide; this old man sees you."

"Smelly loach?"

As they proceeded, upon seeing they had reached the middle of the black flood dragon's territory, the old monkey's and giant tortoise's faces instantly showed a hint of solemnity.

"Old tortoise, do you sense the black flood dragon's aura?" the old monkey asked.

The giant tortoise shook its head: "That smelly loach, where is it hiding?"

"Hiding?" the old monkey said with some worry, "I have a bad feeling that the black flood dragon may have already perished."

In the midst of speaking, the old monkey suddenly grabbed Fang Xu's arm, leapt onto the river bank, and said, "Old tortoise, go down and see if there are any clues."

The old monkey, black flood dragon, and giant tortoise, though seemingly mismatched, all live in this region of Ti Lan Mountain; they had long since become acquainted through conflict and formed a deep friendship.

Now that the black flood dragon possibly perished, the old monkey couldn't help but feel worried.

Hearing this, the giant tortoise, without further ado, immediately dove and disappeared into the turbulent river water.

Shortly after, its silhouette rose again from the water, mouth holding a large skull, and it slowly swam to the shore.

"Is this... the black flood dragon's skull?"

Seeing the skull placed by the giant tortoise in the shallow water, the old monkey stared in shock, somewhat unable to believe, saying, "The black flood dragon's skull was cut off directly by a sharp weapon..."

"Cut off!!"

He sized up the smooth cut on one side of the black flood dragon's skull, and Fang Xu felt a bit startled.

According to the old monkey, this black flood dragon's strength was not inferior to his peak; Fang Xu guessed that the old monkey and the black flood dragon at their peaks likely had strength not inferior to Ku Lun's.

Looking across the whole of Yu and even several neighboring countries, Ku Lun's strength is absolutely top-tier, able to match the Ascension Society's Elder Jiang, the Human Slayer Zhao Wuji, and the present Yu Emperor.

With such strength, and being a demon beast born with extraordinarily strong bloodline, what kind of expert could slay such a terrifying existence as the black flood dragon?

"Old turtle, you're not far from the black flood dragon; haven't you heard any movement lately?" the old monkey said with a solemn face.

The giant turtle's expression darkened as he shook his head: "You know, I often spend much of my time in slumber..."

Gazing at the black flood dragon's skull, the old monkey remained silent for a long time, then let out a faint sigh: "The black flood dragon's death is not a good omen, old turtle; you'd better be careful lately—I don't want to come back later and find you stripped of your shell."

Unusually, the giant turtle did not argue with the old monkey, instead biting down on the black flood dragon's skull in one gulp and then submerging back into the great river.

Afterwards, its head surfaced, looking at Fang Xu and the old monkey, it said: "Not far ahead is the end of the great river; I won't see you off any further."

After saying that, the giant turtle gave Fang Xu a deep look, then told the old monkey: "Little monkey, this human kid is born under the Heavenly Killer Lone Star fate; getting along with him, you'd better be careful."

Having said that, it dove down sharply and vanished into the river water.

Heavenly Killer Lone Star?

Watching the river surface where the giant turtle disappeared, Fang Xu's heart jolted.

Turtle species are spiritually perceptive and good at divination; he had seen many such legends in his previous life.

Whether this giant turtle had seen something or was just spouting nonsense randomly, Fang Xu nevertheless fell into deep thought.

Even before this, he had once doubted his own system.

Since his awakening, anyone he added to his friend list would soon die.

If one or two instances could be chalked up to coincidence, but now the number of "friends" who have died from his friend list is easily over a hundred; over a hundred people in a row, aside from the hard-lived Li Xun, none have managed to survive more than three months.

Could it be that his own system is even able to counteract friends?

Doubt welling up in his heart, Fang Xu couldn't help but size up the old monkey beside him; if that were truly the case, he would indeed have to be more careful from now on.

One must never add a true friend to the friend list.

"Kid, don't listen to that old turtle's nonsense; that old coot, having lived long, just spouts mystic gibberish all day."

After comforting Fang Xu, the old monkey looked toward the river with a somewhat sorrowful expression and said: "Although the old turtle and the black flood dragon often have friction over territory, their relationship has always been good; the black flood dragon's strength is clearly superior to the old turtle's, yet it has never encroached upon his territory."

"Now that the black flood dragon is dead and I have left the great mountains, the old turtle must be feeling quite miserable."

"Little friend Fang, let's go."

(End of chapter)