Chapter 38. Second-Rank Demon Ape (Demon Beast)

Witnessing this scene, everyone’s pupils contracted, unable to resist the urge to give chase.

However, the last few Grade 1, Superior Grade demon apes rushed over, desperately trying to block the group.

"You protect Second Elder. I will deal with that vile creature."

At this critical moment, Eldrin left behind a single remark and swiftly gave chase.

The Second-Rank Demon Ape (Demon Beast) was still incapable of flight. Though the Foundation Establishment demon ape moved with extreme swiftness, its severe injuries gradually caused its pace to slow.

Eldrin pursued for a quarter of an hour, successively activating artifacts like the Green Leaf Sword and Golden Light Blade to harass the creature. Though none of these strikes proved fatal, they caused continuous bleeding, gradually weakening the prey.

After pursuing for nearly a 100 li, the demonic ape could bear it no longer. It whirled around, charging back with murderous intent.

However, Eldrin had no intention of fighting him to the death. He knew full well that this demonic ape was merely a cornered beast making its last desperate struggle.

Now that the demonic ape had exhausted its magical power, its inner core’s potency was greatly diminished, and even its formidable physical body had lost an arm. The longer this dragged on, the more anxious the demonic ape would become—and the more confident he grew in seizing its opening. When that moment came, his chances of victory would be all the greater.

Eldrin thus retreated while simultaneously activating the Golden Light Blade and Verdant Leaf Sword to strike. The demonic ape, unable to close the distance, could only remain trapped in a defensive position, enduring the relentless assault.

After another full quarter-hour of intense combat, seeing that Eldrin could not be subdued, the demonic ape grew restless once more and spat out its inner core to blast toward him.

"Perfect timing."

A sharp glint flashed in Eldrin's eyes—he had long been prepared for this move.

Seeing the demon ape spit out its inner core, he immediately summoned the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo and slashed out. The blade embryo transformed into a crimson arc that cut across the sky, striking squarely against the demon ape’s inner core.

The inner core had already lost over 60% of its potency after forcefully confronting the Blazing Sun Heavenly Fire Formation. Now struck by the crude crimson iron blade, it instantly dimmed completely, falling to the ground with all its spiritual energy depleted.

Having shattered the demon ape's inner core, it lost its final means of long-range assault and could only endure the onslaught helplessly.

After exchanging several dozen more moves, the Foundation Establishment demon ape could no longer hold its ground. Severely weakened from blood loss, the creature’s vision grew dim, and it nearly stumbled, struggling to remain standing.

Witnessing this scene, Eldrin knew the moment had arrived. Seizing the opportunity, he summoned the Crimson Iron Blade Gleam and struck.

The demon ape was utterly terrified and tried to dodge by turning around, but suddenly its leg went numb, and then its head was severed by the crimson iron blade's radiance.

"Hmm..."

The demon beast was slain, and Eldrin let out a sigh of relief.

He circulated his qi and retrieved the Golden Radiance Heart-Locking Needle from the demonic ape's leg. It was this very magical treasure that had struck true moments earlier, enabling him to deliver the fatal blow.

Without lingering any longer, he stored the demon ape’s remains and inner core into his storage pouch and headed toward the valley. Along the way, he encountered the group who had come to offer support. Meeting their inquisitive gazes, he nodded with a faint smile.

"I have not failed in my mission."

"Good, very good!"

The Third Elder laughed heartily, and everyone present felt as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders.

Eldrin (Person Name) withdrew his smile and turned his gaze to the Second Elder, asking with grave solemnity.

"How is Uncle Qinghe’s injury?"

"I managed to claw back a shred of life." The Third Elder sighed deeply. "But my internal organs were wounded—the internal injuries are grave. I fear it will require over a dozen years of convalescence to recover."

"And even if you recover in the future, it will likely damage your longevity."

Eldrin sighed inwardly. With his Qi Refining cultivation, Chen Qinghe had repeatedly forced the activation of the Bell of 9 Echoes to confront the demonic ape head-on. Surviving such an ordeal could already be considered a remarkably fortunate outcome.

Although the Bell of 9 Echoes (Magic Treasure) possessed formidable power, the Second Elder remained its most suitable wielder.

Among those present, aside from Eldrin, he alone possessed the most profound cultivation base, capable of unleashing the full power of the Bell of 9 Echoes. Only this could withstand the onslaught of the demonic beast.

Meanwhile, Eldrin was channeling his energy into the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo, bearing the crucial task of slaying the Demonic Ape. With no spare capacity to activate the Bell of 9 Echoes, it fell to him to wield the bell—the only viable option.

Nevertheless, this battle had not only ended in a resounding victory but had also concluded without a single casualty—truly beyond all expectations.

After resting for the night, the group waited until the Second Elder's condition had stabilized somewhat the next day. They then fashioned a stretcher and carried him back.

Because they had to bring along a wounded companion, it was already 3 months later by the time they returned to the Qingyang Sect.

The moment they returned to the Qingyang Sect, the group immediately went to the Contribution Hall with their record of slaying the demonic apes to exchange for the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object).

"With just a few of you, you actually managed to slay the Verdant-Striped Ape."

"Truly, the younger generation inspires awe."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator serving as steward of the Contribution Hall examined the recording artifact, then cast a glance at the group before speaking with a genial smile.

“你们稍后，我去找魏师叔取丹。”

With that said, he turned and headed toward the back hall, returning half an hour later.

Chen Qingyuan rushed forward excitedly, his voice brimming with delight as he inquired, "Uncle-Master Lin, have you successfully obtained the medicinal pills?"

"It has been retrieved."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator nodded, yet his gaze held a trace of pity as he looked at Chen Qingyuan. With those words, he produced a jade box and handed it over.

A smile graced Chen Qingyuan's lips as he took the jade box. Upon opening it, his eyes fell upon a pale cyan elixir resting within.

“Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object)。”

The crowd surged forward with joyous expressions, yet a single glance told Eldrin something was amiss.

Years ago, he had seen a Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), and being an alchemist himself, he immediately detected the anomaly in this particular Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object).

"Wrong."

"This pill seems somewhat off." Eldrin took the jade box and inquired immediately, "The Foundation Establishment Pill should be pure light cyan. Why does this 1 carry a trace of baleful aura?"

Elder Lin shot a surprised glance at Eldrin, then nodded and stroked his beard. "This Foundation Establishment Pill does indeed contain some flaws," he remarked.

"Back when Elder Liu was refining the elixir, he inadvertently introduced a wisp of Earth Fire Fiend Qi (Spiritual Root), causing this pill to become tainted with traces of it."

"But it's only a trace," he said. "Uncle Wei mentioned it shouldn't cause much trouble."

Eldrin’s expression shifted, and he couldn’t help but remark, “For a Purple Mansion Ancestor, a single wisp of Earth Fire Fiend Qi (Spiritual Root) entering the body can naturally be expelled. But for a Qi Refining cultivator, the slightest misstep could mean life or death.”

Hearing this, Uncle Lin shook his head. "I'm aware of what you're saying, but Elder Wei informed me that this year's supply of Foundation Establishment Pills (Spiritual Object) is far too scarce. Only this single pill remains now. If you must blame anyone, blame your own tardiness."

"Do not say I left you no choice. If you do not desire this Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object), you may choose to renounce it and wait another 10 years to make your selection."

Uncle Lin stroked his long beard and said, "Of course, if you wish to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill (Spiritual Object) 10 years from now, you will need to undertake the mission once more."

"This is unfair!" The hot-tempered Chen Qingyuan could no longer restrain himself. He stepped forward and demanded, "Why are we given defective goods? Why must we undertake another mission in 10 years?"

Elder Lin’s gaze turned icy, his expression darkening. "Are you questioning me?"

"Qing Yuan, mind your manners before the elder!"

The Third Elder pulled Chen Qingyuan aside and promptly apologized to Elder Lin, "Senior, please do not take offense. For us, this matter is truly difficult to accept at the moment."

"In his desperation, he committed an offense he truly did not intend. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive him, Elder."