Chapter 54: 54. Chen Xuan Meets Lin Dong
A massive figure stood towering in the forest, radiating a violent aura that made all nearby beasts dare not approach.
The colossal Ancient Dragon Ape's presence made Lin Dong hold his breath, aware that if this beast noticed him, he would face another round of merciless torment.
It wasn't just this dragon ape; there was also the equally fearsome Heaven-Shaking Demon Ape.
For months, Lin Dong had been plagued by these two powerful creatures, hindering his progress in cultivation.
With the clan competition approaching and his training behind schedule, he often felt uneasy, as if something big was looming, especially today.
After discussing with Little Marten, he decided to take a risk, sneaking out through a tunnel while the beasts were off guard.
If he didn't escape and focus on training, he'd surely be defeated by Lin Langtian during the clan competition, failing to avenge his father and fulfill his grandfather's wish to restore their family's honor.
"The Ancient Dragon Ape seems to be asleep. Hurry, Lin Dong!" Little Marten's voice echoed in Lin Dong's mind.
"Are you sure?" he asked cautiously.
"Go now! I'll shield you with my energy. Head back through the tunnel and find a way to return to Great Desolate County!" urged Little Marten.
With a nod, Lin Dong signaled to Xiao Yan before jumping into the tunnel.
Powerful beasts, however, had keen senses.
As Lin Dong and his companions entered the tunnel, both massive apes opened their eyes, exchanging glances and a human-like sneer.
They stood and leapt directly above Lin Dong's escape route, jumping up and down in delight. The ground shook, dust flying everywhere.
Inside the tunnel, Lin Dong's face turned pale as he accused, "Little Marten, didn't you say it was asleep?"
"It wasn't my fault! I never expected these beasts to be this crafty!" Little Marten grumbled.
"Not good—the tunnel's going to collapse!" shouted Lin Dong as he scrambled out, covered in dirt, looking like he had just emerged from a brick kiln, while Xiao Yan appeared entirely dust-covered.
The Ancient Dragon Ape and Heaven-Shaking Demon Ape roared at them, their thunderous voices nearly bursting Lin Dong's eardrums. "Little Marten, think of something! If this keeps up, they'll torment me to death!" he yelled, struggling to shield his ears and summon his inner energy to resist.
"Back in my day…" Little Marten began, only for Lin Dong to interrupt, "Enough with 'back in the day'! We're in a crisis here!"
Impatient, Little Marten crossed its furry paws, deep in thought, but the two massive beasts weren't about to give them a chance.
They raised their house-sized fists, ready to strike.
"Lin Dong, look out!" cried Qing Tan, watching from a distance.
Her hands instinctively covered her mouth, desperately trying to keep silent so Lin Dong wouldn't hear her, knowing it would only cause more trouble if he recognized her voice.
Chen Xuan said, "Since you're so worried, why don't I take you to him?"
"Okay, no—wait!" Qing Tan started to nod instinctively, then immediately shook her head.
Chen Xuan narrowed his eyes. "What are you afraid of? Come on!"
He placed a hand on her shoulder, surrounding her in his energy before disappearing with her in an instant.
Inside the forest, Little Marten's spirit form appeared, asking, "Kid, you okay?" as it saw Lin Dong struggle to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth.
Over the past few months, his own strength hadn't improved much, but the two giant apes kept getting stronger, now both at the peak of Manifestation Realm.
As the Ancient Dragon Ape prepared to attack again, Little Marten was about to warn Lin Dong when the two massive creatures abruptly stopped, their expressions showing fear before they turned and fled.
"What just happened?" Lin Dong and Little Marten were both stunned. In the next moment, a ripple appeared in the air ahead, and two figures emerged.
When Lin Dong saw one of them, a familiar, petite figure, his eyes widened, shock and anger filling his voice. "Qing Tan! What are you doing here?!"
Chen Xuan stood by, observing silently, occasionally glancing over as if savoring the moment.
Meanwhile, Qing Tan fidgeted with her clothing, uncertain how to explain herself.
"Why are you here? You should be in Qingyang Town. Why did you come here of all places?" Lin Dong was so shocked that he couldn't think straight.
How had this girl, who barely understood the dangers of the world, managed to enter the perilous Misty Forest? And in such a strange manner?
"Lin Dong, be careful," Little Marten's voice warned in his mind. "The young man beside Qing Tan has unfathomable strength!"
"How strong?"
"Stronger than even Ling Qingzhu," it replied, its voice tinged with fear.
What? Someone more formidable than Ling Qingzhu, and barely twenty years old? Lin Dong was astonished.
Who was this person? How did Qing Tan know him, and why had they appeared together? His mind raced with questions.
"Lin Dong, are you okay?" Qing Tan's voice brought him back to the present.
He shook his head and looked at Chen Xuan. "And who might you be?"
"Chen Xuan of the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace," he replied with a smirk.
Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace? The name stirred a faint memory within Lin Dong.
A smirk appeared on his face as he recalled a particular encounter.
Noticing this, Chen Xuan's expression darkened; he resisted the urge to strike Lin Dong immediately.
Killing him now would only offer fleeting satisfaction, but he intended to make him suffer far more.
So, Chen Xuan relaxed his fists, then asked, "Have you heard of the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace?"
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