Qin Xiao spoke, and everyone's gaze immediately turned to him.
"I won't beat around the bush; I want to take a stroll deep into the Aquipeia Forest."
Facing everyone's puzzled expressions, Qin Xiao was blunt.
However.
The group was even more baffled.
You're a powerhouse; if you want to go, just go—who could stop you?
It's not just the depths we're talking about—if you're willing, even if it's the heart of the Aquipeia Forest, nobody would dare utter a word of refusal, right?
"Ahem."
Qin Xiao read the deeper meanings in their eyes, cleared his throat, and added, "I hope you can all accompany me in there."
"No problem."
The first to agree was Ning Rongrong, "Then we'll all go together...."
However, when she noticed the strange looks from Zhao Wuji, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others, Ning Rongrong suddenly realized her mistake.
"Wait a minute?"
"You're saying let's all go deep into the Aquipeia Forest together?"
Ning Rongrong had thought they were just supposed to go out together first.
Qin Xiao nodded slightly.
The mission was to cooperate with teammates to hunt a soul beast over five thousand years old...
Qin Xiao felt, wouldn't it be more fitting to go after one over fifty thousand years old?
"This... might not be a good idea..."
Ning Rongrong shrank her neck.
Although she loved to play and to make noise, she knew what could and could not be done.
If it were just Qin Xiao taking her alone, it might be okay, but with a whole bunch of people following, could he really protect them?
But could they refuse?
The hearts of the others were resistant but they still succumbed...
Just like that, everyone followed Qin Xiao as they ventured deeper into the Aquipeia Forest...
"Your Highness, this must be the territory where Fifty-Thousand-Year Spirit Beasts are active, right?"
"Impressive, Old Zhao, you've never even been here before."
After some time, Zhao Wuji said with shining eyes.
Teacher Zhao, something's off with you...
Dai Mubai, Oscar, and the others looked at Zhao Wuji with strange expressions.
You should know, they are freaking out right now.
Fifty-thousand-year soul beasts...
If a few of them appeared, even Qin Xiao might not be able to protect himself, right?
Boom, boom, boom...
However, the more you fear something, the more it's bound to come.
The ground trembled noticeably, and without needing Qin Xiao's reminder, everyone could guess that a huge creature was approaching.
Before long.
A gigantic face loomed over them from above.
"Your Highness..."
The curiosity on Zhao Wuji's face disappeared, replaced by nervousness.
"Don't be afraid, it's a Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Beast, the Titan Ape."
Qin Xiao turned slightly and looked at the panicked crowd as he reassured them.
Thump...
The reassurance was hardly helpful—the moment they heard Qin Xiao's words, Ma Hongjun felt his knees go weak, and he collapsed to the ground.
Qin Xiao: '....'
Is it really necessary?
"Roar!"
At this moment, the Titan Ape Er Ming had already set his eyes on Qin Xiao, certain that this relaxed-looking youth was the person Xiaowu was looking for!
"Human, die!"
Although the voice was staggered, the cold murderous intent was clear to everyone.
"Targeting me?"
Qin Xiao was slightly taken aback.
Normally, a Hundred-Thousand-Year Spirit Beast would possess intelligence not inferior to that of humans. Facing a strong opponent like him, it shouldn't exhibit such an intense reaction.
Moreover, Qin Xiao was sure that he had no enmity with the Titan Ape.
"Wait, there's a familiar aura behind the Titan Ape, it's Xiaowu... and also Tang San..."
Qin Xiao glanced behind the vast body of the Titan Ape; something seemed to be hidden in the darkness.
He suddenly understood.
The Titan Ape was acting on someone's command.
"Heh, then I can't blame myself."
Qin Xiao chuckled coldly in his heart. Originally, he had planned to hunt a Fifty-Thousand-Year Spirit Beast.
But now the Titan Ape had presented itself. He had some fondness for this sincere creature from the original story, but now that fondness was gone.
After all.
To be used as a tool, one must be prepared to face the consequences.
"Prepare for battle!"
At that moment, Qin Xiao called out in a low voice.
"Yeah, go for it!"
Ning Rongrong cheered slightly, waving her tiny fist; she was wholeheartedly supportive of Qin Xiao.
Of course, it would have been better if she were standing beside Qin Xiao supporting him, rather than hiding behind a large tree more than ten meters away.
Dai Mubai and Oscar also quickly dragged Ma Hongjun a few steps back.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, Qin Xiao noticed she was already gone. She must have activated her Hell Civet Martial Soul and hidden in the darkness.
"Ah, what kind of situation is this?"
He sighed helplessly.
"Ma Hongjun, Dai Mubai, come here."
He called out immediately.
"Your, Your Highness...."
Filled with trepidation, Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai still approached cautiously and asked with forced courage, "Do you have any orders?"
"Activate your Martial Souls and attack it!"
Qin Xiao said, pointing at the Titan Ape.
In truth, he had no choice. After all, the mission demanded concerted effort.
He couldn't be certain whether the mission would be considered complete if these people didn't make a move.
"What? Attack it?"
Ma Hongjun was dumbfounded. Wasn't Qin Xiao setting him up?
This was practically a suicidal move.
"If you don't attack it, I'll have to attack you. Make your choice," Qin Xiao said, his fingers already crackling with arcs of electricity.
"What are you standing around for, Your Highness is kindly training your courage," someone said.
"Even when facing an enemy with a far higher cultivation level, you must dare to strike!"
"Hurry up and attack, don't let down His Highness's good intentions," they urged.
Seeing the two of them hesitate, Zhao Wuji, frustrated at their reluctance, barked at them.
Qin Xiao: ┐('~`;)┌.
In reality, I just wanted them to have a feel of the monster, I really didn't have any intention of tempering them.
However, after Zhao Wuji's interpretation, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were evidently greatly inspired.
The hesitation in their eyes vanished, replaced by firm resolve.
"White Tiger Body Attach!"
"Phoenix Body Attach!"
The two completed their Martial Soul Possession in an instant.
At the same time, they both used a soul skill.
"White Tiger Intense Light Wave!"
"Phoenix Fireline!"
A white and a red long-range attack instantly hit the Titan Giant Ape.
The outcome was obvious.
To the Titan Giant Ape, their attacks were no more than a tickle...
However, while their attacks didn't cause much damage, they were extremely insulting.
Without causing substantial harm to the Titan Giant Ape, they successfully roused its fury.
Thud, thud, thud...
The Titan Giant Ape stood upright and began pounding its chest, like beating a battle drum. It was clear that it was on the verge of going berserk.
"Ning Rongrong, buff me. Then Oscar, hand out your mushroom sausages to everyone, and you guys can wait for me outside Aquipeia Forest or go back to Shrek first," Qin Xiao thought this should count as a concerted effort, right?
As for Zhu Zhuqing not attacking the Titan Giant Ape, that was fine; playing a stealthy role was also a form of engagement, wasn't it?
She kept a psychological threat present.
Oscar had no objections to Qin Xiao's arrangements, instinctively going along with it.
He had been on edge ever since he saw the Titan Giant Ape, and it was only when Qin Xiao called his name that he snapped back to reality.
"You, what did you say you want me to do?" he asked.
Upon hearing Qin Xiao's words, Ning Rongrong instantly blushed.
How embarrassing...
How could he say something like that...
"Uh," Qin Xiao didn't expect that at such a moment, Miss Ning would misinterpret his words.
"I mean, support me with the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda!" he explained again.
"Oh, so that's what you meant."
Ning Rongrong realized her misunderstanding, without the time to feel embarrassed. She cupped her hands, and the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda appeared in her grasp.
"Seven treasures send out glazed light, the treasures are named, the first is: strength..."
"Seven treasures send out glazed light, the treasures are named, the second is: speed!"
Whoosh, whoosh!
Two streams of light landed on Qin Xiao.
"So this is the support ability of the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda? Truly deserving of the title of number one support," Qin Xiao felt a notable increase in strength.
Boom! Boom!
Meanwhile, the Titan Giant Ape had also vented most of its rage, reaching Qin Xiao in two steps and swinging a fist giant as a cauldron down menacingly.
"I'd like to test your strength!" Qin Xiao said, eyes devoid of fear, as he stepped forward and threw a punch himself!
Crack, crack...
An invisible ripple burst forth, and within dozens of meters around them, trees snapped at the sound.
"Let's go, leave this place."
Fortunately, Zhao Wuji was quick to act, grabbing Ning Rongrong with one hand and pulling Oscar away with the other.
Following his command, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Dai Mubai also hurried after his figure.
For a moment, the scene was left with only Qin Xiao and the Titan Giant Ape in a standoff.
However.
In reality, three pairs of eyes were still watching everything in shock, their mouths agape, from afar.
"My god."
"Granny, I can't be seeing this wrong, can I? Isn't that boy one of Zhao Wuji's students? He... he actually has the strength to contend with the Titan Giant Ape!" Meng Yiran said incredulously.
She even rubbed her eyes vigorously, doubting the reality of what she saw.
The Snake Granny was equally shocked but then a light of realization appeared in her eyes, "Yes, that's right. The crisis I felt earlier must have come from this boy. I didn't expect his strength to be so formidable!"
As she spoke, she felt a wave of relief; it was fortunate that she hadn't acted rashly.
Otherwise, would she even have ashes left by the time Long Gong arrived?
"What? Old witch, are you saying that they are the ones who stole the Phoenix-tailed Cock-crown Snake before?" asked a lean old man beside them, incredulously.
"Indeed," Snake Granny slowly nodded, confirming his question.
"Hiss..." Long Gong gasped in shock, sweat beads the size of beans forming on his forehead.
"It's a good thing, a good thing we could retreat from such a formidable opponent unscathed," he said, wiping the sweat off his forehead, filled with relief.
"But now, that Man-Faced Demon Spider we were tracking... it's gone to that boy..." Meng Yiran said, a little helplessly.
Long Gong sighed, "Yiran, be realistic. What time is it now, and you're still thinking about that Man-Faced Demon Spider? Approaching them now could get us treated as enemies by that person and soul beast."
This...
Meng Yiran's expression immediately became gloomy.
At that moment, Snake Granny asked, "Old man, who do you think will win their battle?"
Long Gong thought carefully before answering, "The combat power of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast is enough to defeat an ordinary Titled Douluo. Not to mention the Titan Giant Ape."
"That boy, even if he had the power of a Titled Douluo, would undoubtedly lose. To defeat the Titan Giant Ape, one must have a combat power of level ninety-seven and above," he declared.
Level 97?
Meng Yiran was truly startled by Long Gong's words.
"This Titan Ape is actually so powerful?"
She said with some disbelief.
She had lived for so many years, and not only had she never seen such a person, she had not even heard of anyone being level 97.
In her view, anyone with a cultivation level of 97 was a legendary figure in the world of Soul Masters.
"There's nothing surprising about it. Although the cultivation of a hundred-thousand-year soul beast can't compare with that of a level 97 Soul Master, the Titan Ape itself is an aberration among soul beasts. Its strength cannot be assessed merely by its cultivation level,"
Long Gong's voice was filled with awe.
This was normal.
Whether it was a person or a soul beast, any powerful being deserved awe.
After pondering for a moment, he added, "However, although the Titan Ape is strong, it wouldn't be difficult for that young Douluo to leave if he wishes to."
"If even the Titan Ape couldn't keep him..."
At this time, Snake Granny admired, "Such a young Titled Douluo, his future prospects are unimaginable!"
Subconsciously, she glanced at her granddaughter.
Initially, she thought her granddaughter was also a genius.
But after seeing Qin Xiao, she felt that Meng Yiran's talent could only be regarded as average.
Too average.
The so-called genius was nothing compared to Qin Xiao.
"Roar roar roar!"
While the three were conversing, Qin Xiao had exchanged a few more blows with the Titan Ape.
At this moment, the Titan Ape was roaring excitedly.
Looking over, Long Gong quickly warned, "Old lady, Yiran, be careful. I think this Titan Ape is about to become violently furious. That young Douluo is likely to retreat soon, and we won't be able to stay here any longer."
Snake Granny nodded her head.
Meng Yiran murmured softly, "Understood."
Meanwhile.
Qin Xiao, facing the ferociously enraged Titan Ape, was not alarmed but delighted.
"Thrilling!"
You should know, he was a cultivation fanatic, a battle fanatic.
Otherwise, his secluded cultivation, even if capable of refining thunder to enhance Soul Power, would not have achieved such a feat.
"It would be even better if it were fiercer. I've already gained a new understanding of my Martial Soul, just a bit more, and I'll be able to unleash part of the Martial Soul's power."
Since fighting with the Titan Ape, Qin Xiao hadn't used any soul skills. He relied purely on controlling the force of thunder with his Martial Soul for combat.
It was all to hone himself.
You should know that the Thunder Emperor was powerful not because of so-called Soul Ring Skills but because of Lei Emperor's Art!
Embarrassingly, Qin Xiao's current mastery of the Thunder Emperor Spirit could only be considered at the most basic level.
Among the Thunder Emperor's divine powers, he hadn't mastered any major techniques such as Nine Heavens Tribulation Light, Thunder Turned into Stars, or Lei Emperor's Finger.
But, today, he saw a glimmer of the path.
Suddenly.
Right at that moment, Qin Xiao noticed that the Titan Ape's chest swelled violently as it inhaled deeply, gathering its strength.
"Is it about to unleash the Titan Cangqiong Cannon?"
Qin Xiao instantly thought of a possibility.
"Perfect, I also want to test if the path I chose is the correct one."
Thinking this, he raised his right hand, with his four fingers joining except for his index finger left out.
Then, he pointed a finger in the direction of the Titan Ape from afar.
"Crack!"
A streak of electric light shot out from the tip of Qin Xiao's finger.
At first, it was as thin as a finger.
But in the blink of an eye, it swelled to the thickness of a bucket.
"Roar!"
At that moment, the Titan Ape, refusing to show weakness, spewed out a formless shock wave from its mouth.
Boom!
The two energy bodies collided in the void.
The shock wave was instantly annihilated by the thunder.
The thunder, undiminished in its momentum, struck the head of the Titan Ape fiercely.
Boom boom boom...
The Titan Ape staggered back several steps before steadying itself.
In the distance.
Meng Yiran was stunned, "Grandfather, did you just say that His Highness was about to retreat?"
"But why do I feel he's even fiercer than before?"
Ah, this...
Long Gong remembered his earlier analysis, which spoke reason only to be smacked by reality, and his face couldn't help but turn red.
"Well, I overlooked one point just now. Perhaps this His Highness happens to be the natural nemesis of the Titan Ape,"
Long Gong hurriedly found an excuse for himself, "Yes, that's it. The Titan Ape specializes in brute strength and powerful attacks. This kind of direct Soul Power clash is not its forte, which is why such a situation occurred just now."
"However, with the Titan Ape's defense, it's doubtful that His Highness's attack can actually penetrate its defenses. So, being struck by lightning a few times, it's nothing..."
However, before he could finish, Snake Granny grabbed his shoulder, "Old man, look quickly... something is off with the Titan Ape."
Long Gong could clearly feel Snake Granny's hand trembling as she held onto his.
What had happened?
With such doubts, he looked over.
And then, he was shocked.
He saw that the Titan Ape had steadied itself, but the fur on its head was now scorched in large patches.
What was more outrageous was that it spat out a mouthful of blood, and Long Gong even saw two huge teeth, each about a meter high, being expelled.
"Holy shit..."
"Is this for real? Is His Highness's attack so powerful? The Titan Ape just took it and had two of its teeth knocked out?"
"It's truly hard to believe."
Saying this, he even rubbed his eyes vigorously, afraid that he had seen wrong.
"Grandfather..."
"Is this the weak attack you said couldn't break through the defenses? Are you perhaps mistaken about what 'weak' means?"
At that moment, unable to hold back any longer, Meng Yiran uttered her doubt.
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT