Chapter 59: Detestable Conduct

Liu Feng quickly retreated, while the leader of the Iron Ape surged forward in pursuit. The remaining two apes were about to follow their chief, but Zeng Lu and Zhao Yang emerged from behind the giant boulder.

“Let’s deal with these two beasts quickly, then go support Liu Feng,” Zeng Lu said to Zhao Yang.

Zhao Yang nodded slightly. He swung his fists, which burst forth with dazzling light, unleashing a fierce power that crashed down upon the Iron Ape.

The ape shrieked, brandishing its massive paws to collide with Zhao Yang’s fists. The violent force erupted, shattering nearby trees and causing even the huge rocks to fracture.

Zeng Lu gripped his long sword, infusing it with true energy. Immediately, a blinding sword light coalesced, carrying a formidable sharpness as it stabbed toward the ape’s right eye.

The Iron Ape waved its paws like giant fans, smashing the blade’s radiance and slapping the sword itself. The sword quivered violently from the impact.

Zeng Lu hastily withdrew his sword and retreated, then lunged forward with greater speed, slashing as he advanced. The air hissed along his path, adding to the intimidating spectacle.

The ape roared in fury, charging rapidly with its gigantic paw sweeping forward. The wild force made the air howl as if haunted by wailing spirits.

Paw and sword collided, releasing a tremendous power that sent both Zeng Lu and the ape stumbling backward.

Meanwhile, Liu Feng was embroiled in a series of clashes with the Iron Ape chief, forced to retreat repeatedly by the beast’s overwhelming strength.

“If I can’t hurt you, I refuse to believe it’s impossible,” Liu Feng thought to himself.

With a loud shout, he channeled all his true energy into his broken sword. Instantly, the blade radiated a blinding light, and a five-meter sword aura formed, exuding a fierce and violent presence.

He swung the broken sword with all his might at the Iron Ape chief’s neck. The wild force whipped up air currents into swirling vortices, creating a spectacle both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

The chief sensed the immense energy within this strike and quickly swung its massive paw, as large as a millstone, to block.

Boom!

The sound was thunderous, as if two mountains collided. Violent energy swept in all directions, shattering and breaking everything nearby.

Both Liu Feng and the Iron Ape chief were knocked back by the tremendous force.

After finally halting his momentum, Liu Feng felt his arms go numb, unable to lift them.

Just then, the Iron Ape chief roared and attacked again, its body far tougher than Liu Feng’s. Gritting his teeth, Liu Feng gripped his sword with both hands and struggled to slash at the oncoming beast.

Suddenly, two loud shouts rang out as Zeng Lu and Zhao Yang arrived swiftly, attacking the ape with sword and fist.

Liu Feng withdrew his sword and, taking advantage of the moment, retrieved two bottles of Qi Gathering Pills and swallowed them. Immediately, he felt a surge of medicinal energy spreading through his body, rapidly restoring his true energy.

At this moment, Zeng Lu and Zhao Yang were fiercely battling the Iron Ape chief, forced back repeatedly by its massive paws.

“Cut through the heavens!” Liu Feng shouted, unleashing the ultimate move recorded in “Qi Qian.” His sword quivered lightly, vibrating thousands of times in an instant, sending ripples through the air like waves spreading outward.

He struck at the Iron Ape chief, and a dazzling sword aura crashed into its body.

The ape let out a painful cry, then collapsed to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

Liu Feng felt drained, so he quickly sat cross-legged, circulating his technique to restore his true energy.

Zeng Lu stepped forward, cut open the chief’s body, and extracted a faintly glowing golden object—the demon core, condensed from the Iron Ape’s essence.

“Put that down, or you won’t live to see tomorrow’s sunrise.” Just as Zeng Lu was about to stow the demon core, a domineering, arrogant voice called out from afar.

Five youths in identical attire approached with proud, disdainful expressions, as if no one else mattered.

Zeng Lu frowned at their words, responding coldly, “Who are you to speak so arrogantly?”

“Who we are is none of your concern. Hand over the demon core, now,” the leading youth demanded.

By now, Liu Feng had recovered his energy and stepped forward, eyeing the speaker.

He saw a tall, sturdy youth clad in blue, whose sharp features and powerful aura exerted intimidating pressure. The youth’s gaze was piercing, and his face carried a hint of mockery as he looked at Zeng Lu.

“We risked our lives to slay the Iron Ape and win its demon core. You expect to take it without effort? That’s wishful thinking,” Liu Feng said calmly.

“Who are you, kid? How dare you address Senior Brother Zhao like that? Are you eager to die?” another youth behind the leader sneered.

Liu Feng remained silent, his face showing quiet derision.

“You’re asking for trouble,” the youth said, stepping forward to attack.

Suddenly, a clear voice called from outside, “Zhao Yu, you’re far too arrogant, trying to snatch someone else’s spoils midway.”

Everyone looked up as three newcomers entered from the woods. The speaker was a handsome young man of medium build, accompanied by two slightly younger companions who also carried an impressive aura.

Zhao Yu’s pupils contracted as he said in a deep voice, “Zhao Guang, True Disciple of the Mountain-Opening Sect, you’re really going to interfere?”

Zhao Guang smiled calmly. “This is no mere meddling, as I share a life-and-death bond with him,” he said, pointing at Liu Feng.

Liu Feng hurried over, delighted. “Brother Zhao, what a coincidence to meet you here!”

“I’ve missed you in the Mountain-Opening Sect. I never thought this training would bring us together,” Zhao Guang said warmly, patting Liu Feng’s shoulder.

At this moment, Zeng Lu and Zhao Yang also came over, and Liu Feng introduced everyone. Greetings were exchanged.

“Brother Liu Feng, leave today’s matter to me,” Zhao Guang said, moving toward Zhao Yu.

Watching Zhao Guang approach, Zhao Yu frowned, displeased. “Zhao Guang, are you really going to interfere?”

“How about it—will you give me this favor?”

“Your favor isn’t worth much. Why should Senior Brother Zhao care?” one of Zhao Yu’s followers said arrogantly.

A flash of cold light crossed Zhao Guang’s eyes. He stepped forward, grabbed the youth, and lifted him off the ground.