Chapter 133: December 18th, the day of the assessment has arrived!

Faced with this sudden change, Tuo Baxiong's expression turned horrified.

He never imagined that a mere Martial Disciple Eighth Level fighter could actually use such a terrifying technique!

A First-Rank Martial Technique!

After a brief moment of shock, Tuo Baxiong immediately formed a guess in his mind!

This must be the First-Rank Martial Technique that Fang Xu has comprehended!

A Martial Disciple Eighth Level, relying on a First-Rank Martial Technique, actually possessed strength comparable to a Martial Venerable in an instant—this is utterly heaven-defying!

We must capture him and force him to reveal this technique!

Tuo Baxiong roared inwardly!

Meeting Fang Xu's oncoming fist, he made no attempt to dodge, planning to immediately close in on Fang Xu's true body after this strike and subdue him.

Boom!

Their fists collided!

The Magic Ape Three Transformations can multiply all of the user's attributes several times over.

Fang Xu's added strength has now reached 1500+, and with the body strengthened by that primal energy after passing through the Stone Gate, his own strength far exceeds that of an ordinary Martial Disciple Eighth Level fighter.

Combining all his strength, after the amplification of the Magic Ape Three Transformations, the power of this punch has reached a terrifying level!

The phantom fist of the Magic Ape and the phantom force of Tuo Baxiong's punch collided, causing a terrifying explosion while an invisible surge of qi instantly blasted outward in all directions.

So strong!

Seeing the ferocity of the Magic Ape Three Transformations, Tuo Baxiong felt even more delighted.

After spending several months pursuing and intercepting Fang Xu, upon personally witnessing the ferocity of the Magic Ape Three Transformations, Tuo Baxiong felt that all his efforts had not been in vain.

Bang!

As the two exchanged that move, on the other side, the Old Ape also caught up to Lu Shengren and fiercely slapped out a palm at him!

Although Lu Shengren tried desperately to dodge, he still ended up grazed on half his body by that palm.

Huh?

After taking that palm, the injury he suffered was far lighter than he had imagined, and Lu Shengren felt great delight.

"Tuo Baxiong, the medicinal power inside this old beast is about to run out!"

Hearing that, Tuo Baxiong's face lit up with joy, and he immediately prepared to launch an attack on Fang Xu.

As long as the two of them join forces to defeat the Old Ape, control Fang Xu, and then extract the First-Rank Martial Technique, with their current combined strength they could completely avoid sharing power with others.

Once the Lu and Tuo families exclusively possess the First-Rank Martial Technique, it will not take long for them to surpass all major clans and forces, even the Imperial Family, and they will no longer need to fear anything.

Filled with hope for a bright future, Tuo Baxiong mobilized twelve-tenths of his strength, preparing to blast apart the blood-colored Magic Ape phantom behind Fang Xu in one strike.

But before his body could reach Fang Xu, his vision blurred, and a white figure suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

The incoming person casually blocked his punch, which carried twelve-tenths of his strength; Tuo Baxiong was horrified, his body jerked back, and upon seeing who it was, his face instantly turned grim, even tinged with fear.

"Jiang... Elder Jiang."

Ascension Immortal Society Elder Jiang Feng appeared, blocked Tuo Baxiong's strike, then gave a faint smile: "Head of the Tuo Baxiong family, long time no see."

On the other side, Lu Liren, who was about to cripple the Old Ape and take him back to Azure Prefecture for torture and humiliation, saw Jiang Feng appear and his expression also turned grim.

They had analyzed the Ascension Immortal Society's stance on this matter many times, believing it would never risk offending all the forces of Great Yu to protect this kid.

The facts turned out exactly as they had analyzed, and even better than they had imagined.

The allied forces of the great clans and powers set up checkpoints on Mount Huayang, conducting layered inspections; they had thought the Ascension Immortal Society would intervene, but for some unknown reason, its people never showed up, letting them run amok.

This situation only further inflated their arrogance, leading them to believe the Ascension Immortal Society would not interfere at all.

But now…

"Elder Jiang..."

Lu Liren approached Jiang Feng with a complex expression, his gaze falling on Fang Xu, who had withdrawn his divine abilities, standing behind him.

"Head of the Lu family." Jiang Feng gave a light smile and said: "It's time for this farce of yours to end."

"The Entrance Examination is imminent, and you all are fighting so recklessly before the gate of Mount Huayang—it really puts me in a difficult position."

"But..."

Lu Liren was about to say something, but Jiang Feng laughed and cut him off: "If this were to spread to other branches, making them think I fear your petty squabbles, or if they believed you, or even the Yu State, were provoking the Ascension Immortal Society, that would be troublesome."

Upon hearing that, Tuo Baxiong and Lu Shengren's bodies involuntarily trembled, and their faces showed a faint panic.

"Elder Jiang is joking; how would we dare provoke the Ascension Immortal Society?"

"Exactly, we don't dare!"

The two hurriedly spoke up.

Ridiculous!

Provoking the Ascension Immortal Society?

Not to mention them, even if the entire Yu State were united, they still wouldn't have the gall.

"Well, since you don't dare, to avoid any misunderstanding, you all should just go back."

"Of course, if you intend to stay and observe my Ascension Immortal Society's Entrance Examination, I welcome you."

Jiang Feng stood with his hands behind his back, smiling faintly, and quietly watched the two.

Tuo Baxiong and Lu Shengren exchanged a glance, their faces filled with deep reluctance.

After spending several months and losing vast amounts of manpower and resources, the Lu family had even sacrificed three Martial Venerables, and with the First-Rank Martial Technique almost within reach, they were now forced to give it up.

How could they possibly resign themselves to this?

Yet being unwilling doesn't change anything—this person before them is truly the number one expert of Great Yu!

Not to mention the two of them joining forces; even adding a few more would not make them a match for Jiang Feng.

Moreover, if they ever provoked the Ascension Immortal Society, their several families would surely be wiped out in retaliation.

"Elder Jiang, we have disturbed you."

"Lü Shengren's heart dripped with blood; in the end he helplessly clasped his hands and spoke."

"They engaged three Martial Lords, wasted a great deal of time, and ended up drawing water with a bamboo basket—all for nothing."

"This..."

"Tuoba Xiong still wanted to struggle and explain, but seeing Lü Shengren already turn and leave, he could only resentfully clasp his hands toward Jiang Feng: 'Elder Jiang, farewell.'"

"The two, leading all the family martial artists, slowly retreated, and the front of Huayang Mountain also returned to tranquility."

"Jiang Feng slowly turned, looking at Fang Xu, who had withdrawn his divine ability and was mutually supporting the old ape, and said: 'Do you harbor any resentment toward the Ascension Immortal Society in your heart?'"

"Fang Xu's expression slightly stunned; for a moment he also didn't know what to say."

"The first time he learned of the Ascension Immortal Society, it was when Mu Xuan and two others descended upon Fenglin Town to champion the Wu family, intending to kill his own master and senior martial sister."

"Afterward, his master Lu Zhiyuan produced the Ascension Immortal Society's immortal-gate pass, saving his and Lu Qingluo's lives, but he himself was captured."

"The second encounter with the Ascension Immortal Society was with Su Cheng and Huang Qingzhou."

"Su Cheng, in order to promote himself to steward, wanted to disregard Chu Mu's life or death, using her essence blood to refine pills, but Huang Qingzhou rescued them."

"Thereafter, facing the assassins Su Cheng hired, Huang Qingzhou also fought desperately to block them."

"Later came Yu Shan Tianyi, who was famed as the number one inner disciple of the Yu State Ascension Immortal Society; to satisfy a favorite's demand, she immediately sought to kill him."

"In the end, however, he was drained of ninety percent of his cultivation by himself using the Yin Yang Xuan Zhen Jing, and finally was captured by the members of the Yan Shen Sect."

"Now, he faces pursuit by all the great and small forces of Yu State, yet he survives thanks to the Ascension Immortal Society and thanks to Elder Jiang before him."

"'Youngster, I bear no grudge.' Fang Xu slowly spoke."

"'But neither do I like it.' Jiang Feng gave a faint smile, as if he had seen through Fang Xu's inner thoughts."

"'Some matters, I will explain to you later; for now, take this demonic clan's dao friend to find Changqing—if you delay any longer, his life may not be saved.'"

"Upon hearing Jiang Feng's words, Fang Xu hurriedly looked at the old ape, only to find his gaze already somewhat scattered, and the Blood Qi Power within his body was on the verge of exhaustion."

"'Ape Uncle!'"

"Fang Xu hurriedly supported him."

"'Youngster…… you…… you are finally safe.'"

"'Old man…… old man also…… can die without regret.'"

"The old ape forced out a faint smile, extending his palm to grab Fang Xu's arm, but he couldn't even lift his hand."

"'Alas!'"

"'Let me give you a hand.' Observing the old ape's current condition, Jiang Feng sighed slightly, reached out to grab both of them, and with a flash shot straight toward Huayang Mountain."

"......"

"Within the valley where spring reigns all year, various strange flowers and exotic grasses vied to bloom in full splendor."

"A large amount of mist rose from the pond at the valley's center, making the entire valley shrouded in clouds and mist, resembling an immortal's realm."

"Inside the thatched hut, the old ape lay still on the bed; beside him, an old man with white-speckled hair, somewhat stooped in stature but spirited, was administering acupuncture to treat his wounds."

"Outside, Jiang Feng stood with hands behind his back, wearing a white robe, his hair white as snow, standing firm in the misty valley; Fang Xu, the next moment, would be an immortal drifting away on the wind."

"Fang Xu stood behind him, from time to time sizing up his back."

"'Little brat, do you have many doubts in your heart?'"

"Feeling his gaze, Jiang Feng slowly turned and asked."

"Fang Xu clasped his hands."

"'Elder Jiang, when the Ascension Immortal Society did not intervene while I faced the encirclement and suppression of the great clans, why did you now, at this critical moment, rescue me?'"

"'Because of divine ability.' Facing Fang Xu's slightly doubtful expression, Jiang Feng said lightly."

"Divine ability!?"

"A hint of vigilance rose in his heart; Fang Xu immediately retreated half a step."

"Could it be that Jiang Feng, as an elder of the Ascension Immortal Society, also felt moved when confronted with divine ability?"

"'Youngster, what are you afraid of?'"

"'I am interested in divine ability, but not to the point of lowering myself to strike a junior.'"

"As he spoke, a phantom of a sky-reaching bamboo, resembling jade-green, suddenly appeared behind him!"

"This phantom merely flashed and vanished, but Fang Xu still sensed that it too was a divine ability, similar to his own Demon Ape Three Transformations."

"'See? I also possess divine ability.'"

"Having displayed his divine ability, dispelling Fang Xu's doubts, Jiang Feng spoke again: 'If it were a first-rank martial technique, they could perhaps extract it by force after capturing you.'"

"'But divine ability—even I, as I am now, dare not guarantee being able to impart it completely to another.'"

"'Unable to obtain what they want, yet fearing that you will someday rise and take revenge on them, what do you think they would do?'"

"Fang Xu had no hesitation, directly saying: 'Kill and silence, to eliminate future trouble.'"

"Jiang Feng nodded: 'The transmission of divine ability is extremely rare; I also cannot bear to see a divine ability vanish like this before my eyes, which is why I intervened to stop them.'"

"'Is this explanation satisfactory to you?'"

"Fang Xu remained silent; Jiang Feng's reason seemed somewhat far-fetched, yet it was still reasonable."

"Having reached his level, he might better appreciate the preciousness of divine ability; not seeing a divine ability disappear nearby could also be considered normal."

"'As for the reason the Ascension Immortal Society did not act earlier, you probably can guess.' Jiang Feng spoke again: 'In the eyes of ordinary people, the Ascension Immortal Society is very strong.'"

"'Yet the vastness of this world far exceeds your imagination; the Ascension Immortal Society is not without enemies.'"

"'Facing enemies, the Ascension Immortal Society also needs fresh blood; Yu State is the strongest nation within the Ascension Immortal Society's sphere of influence—to offend all of Yu State's forces for an uninitiated disciple is absolutely unwise.'"

"'Do you understand this point as well?'"

"Fang Xu slightly furrowed his brows."

He could understand what Jiang Feng was saying, but what puzzled him was, given Jiang Feng's status, why would he lower himself to explain so much to himself?

"I'm telling you this so you understand: the martial world is very cruel; in the face of interests, everyone is a pawn."

"Not to mention you; even I have times when I have no choice."

"Alright, stay here peacefully; after the entrance examination, you will truly be my disciple in the Ascension Immortal Society."

After saying that, Jiang Feng slowly left the valley.

In the blink of an eye, it had already been the third day since arriving at Huayang Mountain.

The eighth day of the winter month.

The silent Xu Changqing, after confirming he had saved the old ape's life, finally left the thatched hut to find Fang Xu, who was training in the valley.

"Is Wuhuan dead?" Upon seeing Fang Xu, Xu Changqing's first words were about Wuhuan.

"He's dead..." Fang Xu hesitated, then spoke.

Xu Changqing let out a faint sigh, a flash of recollection crossing his face as he said: "Back when I went to Tilan Mountain to look for a medicinal herb, I was ambushed by a group of mysterious cultivators and left on the brink of death from severe injuries; it was he who saved me."

"I had originally planned to take him as a disciple and bring him to the Ascension Immortal Society, but his aptitude is too dull."

"It's fine even if he's dead..."

Xu Changqing sighed in relief and said: "That old ape's life has been spared, but its qi and blood were already exhausted; after forcing a transformation and fighting with all its strength, given all the circumstances, it likely doesn't have much time left."

Hearing this, Fang Xu's heart tightened; he quickly looked at Xu Changqing and asked: "Senior, is there any way to save Uncle Ape?"

All along the way, the old ape had completely become his kin; how could he bear to watch it die like this?

"I'm also powerless, unless you can find an eighth- or even ninth-grade alchemist, or some divine object capable of defying heaven and altering fate." Xu Changqing said lightly.

As an alchemist and a physician, he is accustomed to life and death.

"Please tell me, Senior, where can I find an eighth-grade alchemist!" Fang Xu quickly said.

Xu Changqing smiled upon hearing that.

"You little brat, I'm saying this just to gently tell you that he cannot be saved."

"Not to mention I've never seen an eighth-grade alchemist; even if you found one, they might not be willing to lend a hand."

"Alright, while he still has some time, just spend more time with him."

"Remember to go to Su Cheng each day to get a portion of Yang Ascending Pill for him to take."

After saying that, Xu Changqing left.

Su Cheng?

Fang Xu furrowed his brows.

Between me and that guy, there's a grudge as deep as life and death; Xu Changqing shouldn't know this, yet now he's actually asking me to go to him for the Yang Ascending Pill?

No way!

Absolutely cannot let the old ape eat the pill he gives.

Given his personality, if he knew about my relationship with the old ape and didn't tamper with the medicine, that would be strange!

His mind stirred, and he immediately thought of Huang Qingzhou.

It's been three days since arriving at the valley, and I still haven't seen Huang Qingzhou.

And there's Mu and Lu Qingluo; I also don't know where they've been assigned to.

……

At the foot of the mountain, Huang Qingzhou excitedly pushed open the courtyard gate.

"I have news!"

"I just received definite news: three days ago, Fang Xu, accompanied by a terrifying demon ape, encountered the head of the Lu family from Qingzhou, Lu Shengren, and the head of the Tuoba family from Jizhou, Tuoba Xiong, fifty li outside the mountains, and a great battle ensued!"

"What?!" Upon hearing this, Lu Qingluo's face instantly changed color.

"The head of the Lu family, Lu Shengren, is said to have the strength of a seventh-stage Martial Venerable, and the Jizhou Tuoba Xiong is probably similar; Fang Xu... he... was captured?!"

"Fang Xu brother..." Chu Mu's face instantly turned pale!

"No, hear me out."

"Fang Xu wasn't captured!"

"I heard that the demon ape at his side is terrifyingly strong, beating Tuoba Xiong and Lu Shengren until they fled with their heads in their arms."

"It's just a pity that the old ape seems to have exhausted its qi and blood."

"Senior Brother Huang!"

"Can't you just get to the point?" Seeing Huang Qingzhou chatter on excitedly, completely ignoring my anxiety, Chu Mu said somewhat angrily.

"The point?"

"Oh oh! The point is, Fang Xu was rescued and wasn't taken away!"

"Who saved him?" Lu Qingluo pressed.

"Naturally, it was Elder Jiang." Huang Qingzhou exclaimed excitedly: "I also heard that Elder Jiang has already brought Fang Xu and that old ape to see the Master, asking the Master to help heal the old ape's injuries."

"Wait a bit, then go back and check; if you see Fang Xu, bring him back to meet us."

After Huang Qingzhou finished speaking, he grabbed the teapot on the stone table in front of him, preparing to pour a cup of tea to drink.

"Ah, drink it later!" Lu Qingluo snatched the teapot and cup from him and shoved Huang Qingzhou out.

"You guys..."

Huang Qingzhou, feeling somewhat helpless, could only head first into the mountains.

……

Outside the valley, the two who had been apart for a long time finally met again.

Sitting cross-legged on a blue stone, sizing up Fang Xu, Huang Qingzhou sincerely admired: "Kid, you managed to come here alive; I'm truly impressed."

After setting out from the ruins of Tilan Mountain, to gather news of Fang Xu, he personally witnessed how the forces of the Great Yu had laid out a terrifying net of heaven and earth.

But even so, Fang Xu has miraculously made it alive to Tilan Mountain.

"Senior Brother Huang, thank you."

"Looking at Huang Qingzhou, Fang Xu gave a slight bow and said."

"If it weren't for Huang Qingzhou bringing Lu Qinglo and Chu Mu to Huayang Mountain in advance, with his strength, it would be absolutely impossible for him to take the two of them on a journey of thousands of miles, dodging layers of pursuit and interception, and arrive unscathed at the Ascension Immortal Assembly."

"Why are you being so polite with me…" Huang Qingzhou said with a light smile.

"Fang Xu stared at him deeply, then slowly opened his mouth and said: 'Senior Brother Huang, can you tell me now?'"

"Huang Qingzhou was taken aback, somewhat puzzled, and asked: 'What do you want me to tell you?'"

"Fang Xu smiled and said: 'We have no relation, yet upon our first meeting you chose to help me and Su Cheng oppose 【them】; afterwards, you even risked your life to protect me.'"

"In this world, there's no such thing as a free lunch; you must want something in return."

"Facing Fang Xu's gaze, Huang Qingzhou, a little angry, said: 'I say, kid, can't you stop being so dark-hearted?'"

"Fang Xu didn't speak, just continued to look at him with a faint smile."

"Forget it, forget it!"

"Huang Qingzhou, helplessly admitting defeat, opened his mouth and said: 'Because I previously met your grandfather and received his help.'"

"You met my grandfather?" Fang Xu looked at Huang Qingzhou in surprise.

"He, however, had never heard his grandfather mention anything about Huang Qingzhou."

"It was over ten years ago; I followed that guy Su Cheng to Qinghe County to purchase some medicinal herbs, and by chance I met your grandfather and received his help."

"Do you still remember the shamanic ritual at your home in Maple Grove Town?"

"That was set up by your grandfather; he is very profound in the art of wind techniques."

"Hearing this, Fang Xu became even more bewildered."

"Grandfather helped Huang Qingzhou and also has deep expertise in feng shui; this…"

"I had never discovered these before; in my impression, my grandfather was just an honest, simple carpenter."

"When he went out to work, he was reluctant to spend the little money he earned, using it all to buy blood food and medicinal powders for me, letting me train my body."

"That's it!"

"Fang Xu suddenly realized that although his grandfather was a well-known carpenter in the surrounding villages, his fees for making and repairing things were low; the money he earned barely sustained their livelihood, so there should have been no spare cash to buy blood food and medicinal powders."

"Grandfather!"

"Just how many things are you hiding from me…"

"Now you can rest easy, right?"

"Honestly, can't I have a little secret?"

"There's still no such thing as a free lunch in this world…"

"What could I possibly want from you?"

"Huang Qingzhou nagged at Fang Xu like a resentful woman."

"All right, come with me to see Miss Chu and Miss Lu." Huang Qingzhou stood up from the blue stone, clapped his hands, and said.

"There's one more thing." Fang Xu quickly said: "Senior Brother Huang, can you refine the Yang Ascending Pill?"

"The Yang Ascending Pill? Sure." Huang Qingzhou said disdainfully: "It's just a third-grade pill, merely uncommon."

"Upon hearing that Huang Qingzhou could refine the Yang Ascending Pill, Fang Xu was overjoyed and quickly recounted how Xu Changqing had told him to seek Su Cheng for the Yang Ascending Pill to give to the old ape."

"You really guessed right; if Su Cheng knew you wanted the Yang Ascending Pill, he would definitely tamper with the medicine."

"Alright, let that senior of the demon clan come with us."

"The villas at the mountain's base are all within the territory of the Ascension Immortal Assembly; no one dares to recklessly barge in."

"Fang Xu nodded, immediately took the old ape to bid farewell to Xu Changqing, then followed Huang Qingzhou to the villa at the mountain's base."

"Fang Xu big brother!"

"In the courtyard, Chu Mu saw Fang Xu, excitedly flew over and threw her arms around his neck."

"Fang Xu was slightly startled, then gently patted her back: 'All right, little girl.'"

"After letting go, Chu Mu's face bore tear stains; her beautiful eyes scanned Fang Xu up and down as she asked: 'Fang Xu big brother, are you injured?'"

"Fang Xu laughed, shook his head, and looked at the graceful Chu Mu standing before him: 'Has your leg recovered?'"

"Mm!" Chu Mu nodded firmly: "I have broken through to the Warrior level."

"Great!" After praising her, Fang Xu approached Lu Qinglo, smiled, and said: "Senior Sister."

"Lu Qinglo nodded: 'Just arriving safely is good enough.'"

"All right, let me introduce you."

"This is Yuan Bo, of the Earthfiend Demon Ape clan." Fang Xu said, holding the old ape, smiling:

"Yuan Bo, this is Lu Qinglo, my senior sister; Chu Mu, my little sister; Senior Brother Huang, you've met him already."

"The old ape smiled and nodded."

"Having passed through the Gates of Hell, his cultivation, accompanied by the depletion of qi and blood, has mostly dissipated; he probably couldn't even defeat a Martial Sovereign-level martial artist now."

"Yuan Bo."

"Yuan Bo!"

"Lu Qinglo and Chu Mu respectfully shouted."

"Fang Xu big brother, does Yuan Bo want to stay here?"

"Fang Xu nodded; the old ape indeed needs to stay here temporarily, and I must quickly find a way to cure him."

"Then I'll tidy up the room!" Chu Mu said happily.

"I'll go gather some herbs for refining the Yang Ascending Pill." Huang Qingzhou also left.

"……"

"After living together with the old ape in the villa, life returned to tranquility once again."

Time passed day by day, and soon it was the eighteenth of the winter month, the day of the Ascension Immortal Association's entrance examination arrived.

(End of chapter)