Chapter 59 - Arc 6: Pinglan County Wang Family | Chapter 59: Iron Skin Giant Ape
Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (6/10)
The black light from Ruyi struck the long tail, causing it to recoil, and in an instant, a massive figure over two meters tall appeared.
A heavy “boom” echoed as its thick lower limbs slammed onto the ground, making it groan.
Everyone realized that the monster before them was a giant iron-skinned ape. Its eyes were red, its body was black and gray, and its arms were disproportionately long, reaching below its knees.
Behind the giant ape, a long tail as thick as an adult’s thigh hung, resembling a deadly weapon. Any contact with it would tear the skin and cause relentless bleeding.
Although Ruyi managed to repel the long tail, it didn’t harm the iron skin giant ape in the slightest. Instead, it enraged the creature, which now stood defiantly before them, its red eyes filled with anger and greed.
Taking advantage of the brief respite after Wang Yingwu’s strike, he quickly stepped back a few paces and retrieved Ruyi.
Feeling disheartened that his full-powered blow had failed to harm the iron skin giant ape’s fur, Wang Yingwu exclaimed, “What kind of monster is this?”
Well-informed Wang Xing replied, “Indeed, it’s a second-level monster known as the ‘iron skin giant Ape.’ When it advances, its fur turns golden. However, as you can see, its fur remains black and gray, without a single golden strand. This indicates that its cultivation is only at the early stage of the second level, so there’s nothing to worry about.” Wang Yingwu nodded and said, “I see. I can handle a monster that’s two levels lower without any problem.”
Wang Xing declared, “In that case, we will fight alongside you, young master.”
Taking a deep breath, Wang Yingwu gripped Ruyi tightly and leaped back into battle, confronting the iron skin giant ape.
The three monks from the Wang family spread out, allowing Wang Yingwu to face the iron skin giant ape without interference.
Nian Hongzhi said to Xu Ziqing, “Fellow Daoist Xu, there’s a gap between Young Master Wang and the iron-skinned giant ape. You and I should take precautions.” Xu Ziqing found the suggestion reasonable and asked, “What do you propose, Fellow Daoist Nian?”
Nian Hongzhi explained, “My second brother and I specialize in offensive moves, but we also have a set of formation flags that can create a mist formation. If the iron skin giant ape tries to escape, it will be trapped within. However, this formation cannot withstand direct collisions. What do you think?”
After considering for a moment, Xu Ziqing responded, “I have a technique that can block a collision. When that happens, fellow Daoists can reconfigure the formation flags, and it should work fine.” Nian Hongzhi glanced at Wang Jun and smiled, saying, “That’s excellent.”
With the cue, Wang Jun promptly retrieved a set of seven palm-sized small flags from his storage bag. Each flag featured white patterns on a blue background, shimmering with inspiration.
Nian Hongzhi clasped his fists together and said, “My two brothers will set up the formation first. Fellow Daoist Xu, please act quickly.”
Xu Ziqing nodded and replied, “Please proceed, fellow Daoists.”
True to their words, Nian Hongzhi and Wang Jun each took several small flags, chanting incantations while pointing them in different directions. Gradually, a layer of white mist enveloped the flags, indicating the successful deployment of a dormant magic circle. Once activated by infusing spiritual power, it would become fully operational.
Witnessing their dedicated efforts, Xu Ziqing felt no need for sympathy. With Wang Yingwu protected by the monks from the Wang family, they couldn’t allow the iron skin giant ape to escape and hinder Wang Yingwu’s practice.
Xu Ziqing joined his palms together, and between his fingers, radiant vines sprouted in abundance. These green vines were lush and beautiful, and as Xu Ziqing willed it, they extended and intertwined, forming a large, intricate net.
Lifting the blue net backward, Xu Ziqing spread it in all directions, creating a square-shaped barrier that stood in front of the magic circle and behind the iron-skin giant ape’s potential escape route.
Following that, more vines sprang from Xu Ziqing’s palm, forming additional large nets that hung on the left and right sides of the iron-skin giant ape. With the exception of an escape route behind Wang Yingwu, the other three sides were blocked by massive nets, while dormant magic circles awaited activation at the rear, creating an airtight enclosure around the iron skin giant ape.
Xu Ziqing breathed a sigh of relief, wiping away the beads of sweat from his forehead. Though his cultivation base was considerable, continuously growing and intertwining so many vines required considerable effort.
Nian Hongzhi and Wang Jun noticed his efforts and smiled, immediately arranging the magic circle without infusing much spiritual power into it, conserving their energy.
As for Wang Yingwu, he stood opposite the iron-skin giant ape, Ruyi emitting a flickering layer of black light, its power evident but uncertain.
This Ruyi, known as the “Eight Star Ruyi,” had eight unique stars engraved on its cloud-shaped head, each serving a purpose and lending a name. While Wang Yingwu’s cultivation base was limited, he could activate three of these stars, which still granted him great power.
The first star represented the strength of fine steel. When Ruyi collided with the iron-skin giant ape’s tail earlier, it was the effect of this first star.
Now that the first star was activated, it served as a weapon to directly confront the iron skin giant ape.
Already infuriated, the iron-skinned giant ape released two streams of white air from its nostrils. Lowering its head, it glared down at the seemingly weak monk, clenched its fists, swung its arms, and struck forcefully—”Bang bang!” The impact caused dust to fly as the powerful blow created two large holes in the ground.
Reacting instinctively, Wang Yingwu jumped and retreated half a foot, narrowly avoiding the tremors caused by the aftershock. Terrified by the iron fist’s power, he hesitated to resist Ruyi, even with the protection of its gang skin armor. The confrontation seemed too perilous.
A sinister smile appeared on the iron skin giant ape’s face as its cruel eyes focused on Wang Yingwu. Following its previous strike, instead of raising its arms, it suddenly turned around, legs slightly bent, with one hand resting on the ground. Then, it forcefully swung its other arm—”Snap!”
The arm seemed to extend a few feet and was about to strike Wang Yingwu. Relieved that Ruyi had evaded the blow, Wang Yingwu found himself in a desperate situation, prompting him to exchange his magic weapon for his life. He shook his hands once more, meeting the iron-skin giant ape’s iron fist head-on with Ruyi.
A crisp “kaka” sound resounded as Ruyi’s surface cracked, and the cloud-shaped head developed several fissures due to the immense strength of the giant ape. It was no longer advisable to rely on sheer force, as the magic weapon would become useless if the cloud head broke.
Wang Yingwu narrowly escaped disaster, but witnessing Ruyi’s severe damage caused him great distress. Nonetheless, since he had chosen to use Ruyi for practice rather than live a carefree life, he couldn’t afford to back down—Ruyi still had to be utilized.
Determined to make his wind control technique rise higher, Wang Yingwu gritted his teeth and activated another star on Ruyi.
The second star represented the power of fire. Since the giant ape possessed a steel skin that turned golden, the fire could overcome it.
A flash of red light emanated from the second star, instantly engulfing Ruyi in a ball of flames, transforming it from black to red and creating an intensely hot environment.
Wang Yingwu tightly held onto Ruyi, reluctant to sacrifice it. Uttering a few words, he expelled a mouthful of spiritual power towards Ruyi, then raised it high—
“Shush!”
A pillar of fire shot out from the cloud-shaped head, hurtling toward the iron skin giant ape!
The scorching heat wave struck the ape’s chest, eliciting a piercing roar that reverberated in everyone’s eardrums.
Indeed, when the difference in cultivation was not too significant, the fact that fire could overcome gold was unquestionable.
Burning from the flames, the iron skin giant ape swiftly retreated, pounding its chest with both hands to extinguish the fire. It had now backed away several feet, displaying no further interest in combat, intending to turn and flee.
At that moment, Nian Hongzhi shouted, “Friend Xu, please take action!”
Xu Ziqing, sensing the iron skin giant ape’s desire to escape, swiftly raised his right arm and flicked it toward the left.
In response to his command, the massive blue net positioned behind the iron-skinned giant ape swiftly moved forward, blocking its escape route from behind. When the ape attempted to flee to the left, the net on the left also shifted accordingly, and when it sought to go to the right, the net on the right moved in that direction as well.
The giant ape was incapable of flying and could only seek refuge on the ground. With three directions blocked, the only potential escape route was in front of the Qi-refining monk, Xiaoer. Wang Yingwu, witnessing the ape’s desperation and the absence of any means of escape, felt elated.
If they could keep the giant ape trapped here, they would secure victory against an opponent two levels above them. Even if there were intrusions in the formation, it would still be considered a valuable experience.
Seizing the golden opportunity, Wang Yingwu raised Ruyi once again, and the cloud-shaped head spewed forth fire, aimed directly at the iron skin giant ape!
This wave of fire was even more astonishing, casting a fiery red glow as it surged forward.
Hatred filled the face of the iron skin giant ape, yet it wasn’t foolish. With incredible agility, it swiftly rolled on the ground, evading the fire waves and propelling itself towards the vine net behind it.
“Not good!” Everyone exclaimed.
The iron-skinned giant ape was incredibly cunning, recognizing that fire was its weakness. It redirected the flames towards the vine net, intending to not only escape this time but also use the power of the fire to burn a path to freedom.
This second-tier monster was remarkably intelligent, making it difficult to deal with. It seemed likely to slip away.
Nian Hongzhi felt a sense of annoyance. He had only set up the magic circle as a ploy to force Xu Ziqing to waste his spiritual energy. He didn’t anticipate the ape’s cunning nature. Should he activate the magic circle now, it would also consume a significant amount of his own spiritual power, rendering their previous plan futile.
However, if he chose not to activate the magic circle, he would essentially reveal that his previous words were false, potentially startling Xu Ziqing and jeopardizing their situation.
While hesitating, Wang Jun, standing beside him, quickly reminded him, “Brother, there will be more opportunities. Don’t act rashly!”
Nian Hongzhi nodded solemnly, suppressing his impatience, and decided to hold back. Xu Ziqing, wearing a slight smile, showed no signs of unease. This piqued his curiosity, leading him to halt his decision.
The blazing fire engulfed the vine net, transforming it into a fiery net within an instant.
Though the vine net should have been reduced to ashes, to everyone’s surprise, the fire spread across the entire net, but after a brief moment, it diminished and was swiftly extinguished. They realized that the vine net was crystal clear and damp. Despite the ferocity of the flames, it couldn’t ignite the moistened vines and dissipated in frustration.
The vine net remained unburned, bringing great joy to Wang Yingwu.
Xu Ziqing raised his fingers once more, causing the three vine nets to encircle the iron-skin giant ape, twisting it tightly and rendering it immobile, unable to exert its immense strength.
Seizing the opportunity, Wang Yingwu exclaimed, “The third star, representing the power of thunder spears!”
Ruyi underwent a sudden transformation, materializing into an ancient and simple spear, enveloped in lightning. With force, Wang Yingwu thrust the spear—
A resounding piercing sound echoed as the long spear punctured through the iron-skinned giant ape’s flesh, impaling its heart!
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