Chapter Fifty-Five: Joining Forces

One after another, savage and immense fists surged forth as the Golden-Furred Demon Ape swung its arms, green light flashing and suddenly coalescing, then mercilessly crashed toward Nangong Xue.

The ape’s sudden barrage caught Nangong Xue off guard. Her agile form twisted and dodged several of the blows, and those missed punches struck the stone walls lining the corridor with thunderous force, blasting deep pits several feet wide, sending shards of rock flying and echoing with continuous rumbling.

Fortunately, this Golden-Furred Demon Ape had died many years ago, its power long depleted. Otherwise, at its peak, not even a master of the Ancient Pill Realm could claim to easily best it. Yet now, even with only residual will animating its shell and the leftover strength it commanded, it far surpassed the usual limits of the Blood Vitality Realm. Such force might even match a newly ascended expert of the Origin Realm.

Though she had evaded several attacks, the ape's wild assault soon enveloped Nangong Xue, making it impossible to dodge further. Her original plan to slip past the ape and enter the bronze door was clearly impossible now; she could only defeat the beast before her.

"Leave this place!" Another punch thundered forth, and the ape’s cold voice rang out.

Hearing this, Nangong Xue’s expression turned icy. After struggling to withstand a blow, her already pale face grew even whiter. She quickly retreated, putting distance between herself and the demon ape.

Nearby, Ye Cheng observed her predicament. It was clear that Nangong Xue was struggling against the demon ape; the foundation of the Ancient Pill Realm was formidable. Even the hardness of the ape’s skeletal remains was almost terrifying.

"Kid, will you help her? Alone, she’ll find it hard to handle the Golden-Furred Demon Ape. If she fails, passing through the demon ape’s blockade alone will be extremely difficult for you as well," Mu Lao asked, his words tinged with amusement.

Ye Cheng gleaned Mu Lao’s intent—he wanted Ye Cheng to join forces with Nangong Xue against the ape. Still, Ye Cheng kept his gaze fixed forward and replied calmly, "Let’s wait and see." He was not eager to reveal himself before the crucial moment.

"Senior, I mean no offense, nor do I wish to trespass. But there is soul grass here that I need to save someone’s life," Nangong Xue spoke with a glimmer of hope, addressing the demon ape respectfully. Despite everything, she hoped it might let her pass.

Yet the Golden-Furred Demon Ape now retained no consciousness, only a sliver of lingering will guarding this place. Any who trespassed were met with its attack; in truth, it had become nothing more than a mindless fighting machine, living like a walking corpse.

"Leave now, or face death!" The same icy voice issued from the ape’s mouth.

Staring at the massive figure guarding the bronze door, Ye Cheng felt a measure of admiration. Even after death, the ape’s will persisted in guarding this place—a resolve worthy of respect. What lay behind the bronze door to warrant such unwavering protection?

Hearing the ape’s emotionless threat, Nangong Xue’s elegant brows knit tightly together. The hope in her heart shattered as she realized the ape’s mind was gone; there was no reasoning left.

To enter that bronze door, only force would suffice. She would have to defeat the beast before her.

Without hesitation, Nangong Xue bit her lip and said in a low voice, "Then I must force my way through."

As her cool words faded, her sleeves billowed and, instead of retreating further, she advanced. With a flip of her hand, a long bronze sword radiating green light appeared in her grasp, its blade coursing with origin energy, held tightly in her slender fingers.

Sword in hand, Nangong Xue’s speed increased sharply. As she neared the demon ape, she suddenly paused, then launched herself into the air, her arms sweeping and weaving sword light overhead, forming a five-pointed star of sword energy. The origin force and blood vitality intermingled, charging forward with fierce momentum toward the demon ape.

"Roar!"

The ape let out a furious howl, wasting no time on technique, and struck directly at the five-pointed star of sword energy with its fist.

A clear, ringing sound echoed as sword light clashed against the ape’s bony fist, as if striking stone—stone of extraordinary hardness. After their powers collided, the ape was forced back a step, but the sword light’s force diminished as well. With another punch, the ape shattered the sword’s brilliance, dispersing it into glowing motes that faded into the air.

Seeing her attack so easily broken, Nangong Xue was stunned by the hardness of the ape’s skeletal fist. It had effortlessly crushed her strike, which even peak Blood Vitality Realm warriors dared not directly withstand.

Without further hesitation, she darted forward, engaging the demon ape at close quarters. Using her agility, she continually fought the ape, her sword clashing against its skeletal remains, producing a constant barrage of sound. The force of their battle made the stone corridor tremble.

With her long sword, Nangong Xue repeatedly struck at the demon ape, suddenly sweeping her blade toward its skull. Yet each attack was blocked by the beast.

"This girl is clever—she immediately spotted the demon ape’s weakness. Its bones are nearly indestructible, but the lingering will in its skull is vulnerable. If she can disperse that, the ape will lose control and the obstacle will be removed," Mu Lao observed Nangong Xue’s tactics and couldn’t help but approve.

"But the demon ape isn’t easy to deal with. Though it lacks consciousness, its remaining will still has a self-preservation instinct. Dispersing that lingering will might not be so simple," Ye Cheng replied.

"If she tries alone, it would be difficult. If you join forces, the chances of success increase greatly."

"Very well," Ye Cheng nodded, seeing that Nangong Xue’s chances were slim.

At that moment, Nangong Xue, fighting the demon ape up close, looked distressed—her beautiful face drawn tight—as the ape seized her sword with its massive hand. The sound of rushing air filled her ears as its other arm swung toward her. Gritting her teeth, she braced herself, ready to withstand the blow, knowing her arms might not survive the impact.

Just then, a powerful spear shadow swept from behind Nangong Xue, enveloping the demon ape’s huge fist.

Swallowing Saint 55_Swallowing Saint Full Free Reading_Chapter Fifty-Five: Joining Forces, update complete!